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OF 



BATTEEY A 



FIRST REGIMENT 



Rhode Island Light Artillery. 



BY THEODOEE EEICHARDT 



WRITTEN IN THE FIELD, 



PROVIDENCE; 
K. BANGS WILLIAMS, PUBLISHER, 

1865. 



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PREFACE. 



Comrades of Battery A: — The time for the fulfilment 
of my promise to you, has arrived. The days of our trials, 
hardships and sufferings are past, and it but remains to 
memorize the period during which we were battling for the 
sacred cause of the Union, xllthough we have not seen 
the closing contest of this sanguinary strife, yet I feel con- 
" >nt that we have done our share towards securing a good 
, and nobly has the old battery sustained the honor and 
^ame of Khode Island. Of all the light batteries Little 
Rhody sent to the seat of war, none was ever equal to 
*he old Second, or Battery A, in efficiency, endurance, 
and the intelligence of the men. Truly did an officer re- 
mark : " My men can fight without officers." 

It is no easy task to give a true and satisfactory record 
of our three years service ; — only the entreaties of my 
comrades induced me to undertake it. It is a natural 
wish to possess a copy of the records, to refer in future 
days to those of the past ; it will not only be of interest 
to the members of the battery, but also to their friends and 
relatives. 

Hardly had the first call for three months men been re- 
sponded to, by sending the First Regiment, Col. Burnside, 
along with the First Battery, Capt. Charles H. Tompkins, 
before the military authorities of Rhode Island contem- 
plated to organize another regiment of infantry and a 
second battery. Enrolhnents progressed rapidly, and but a 
few days after, not less than four hundred men were de- 



IV 

sirous of linking their fortunes with the battery ; the ar- 
mory on Benefit street was the rendezvous of men from 
sunrise till late in the night, eager to acquire the most 
indispensable knowledge of military tactics, foot drill, and 
manual of the piece, as speedily as possible. Some men 
were so anxious as to come before daylight, and would not 
leave in the evening until the armorer persuaded them to. 
We expected to get mustered into the three months service ; 
but the federal government, by issuing a call for 75,000 
men for not less than three years, left no other alternative 
but to serve the said term. Messrs. Parkhurst and Albert 
Munroe were untiring in their exertions to complete the 
efficiency of the battery. At last the day that was to 
transform us from citizens into soldiers, arrived, the requi- 
site number to man the battery being selected out of four 
hundred, by Surgeon Wheaton. On the fifth day of June, 
1861, at five o'clock, P. M., we were mustered into the 
service of the United States for three years, unless sooner 
discharged. A few days afterwards, the battery, together 
with the Second Regiment, infantry, marched to Dexter 
Training Ground. Tents were pitched, and the people of 
Providence enjoyed the unusual spectacle of a field-camp, 
of reveilles, dress-parades, firing of artillery by sunrise and 
sunset, of tattoo and taps. The unusual sight attracted mul- 
titudes of men, women and children, day after day. While 
in camp, mounted battery drills wore away the hours of 
impatience ; men in those days were eager for the fray. 
During our stay on Dexter Ground, all of our battery 
carriages were exchanged for new ones, (the pieces were 
James' brass rifle guns,) which we hailed as a sign of our 
early departure. Ammunition arrived on the evening of 
the 18th of June, and the limber chests being filled during 
the night, the rising sun of the 19th witnessed our 
leave of friends and dear ones, perhaps never to be seen 



again. Only those who have experienced such emotions 
themselves, can imagine the sad feeling, to leave whatever 
is dear to the heart, for three long years. But the time is 
past; the little band that was spared from carnage and 
disease has returned ; they will forget all sorrow amidst 
the joyous welcome of their friends. Yet all joy is min- 
o-led with sadness. Some will look in vain for familiar 

o 

faces. Let there be a lasting place in our memory for 
those who sleep forever on the blood-stained fields of 
Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. 



1=^ 



DIARY. 



Wednesday^ June 19,18 61. — Embarkation of the 
Second Battery on the steamer Kill Von Kull, and 
of the Second Rhode Island Infantry, on the State 
of Maine. 

Early in the morning the tents were struck, 
everything packed up, order was given to mount, 
and by nine o'clock we commenced our march 
through Westminster street ; from thence, through 
South Main street, to India Point, where the steam- 
ers lay, and started by about four o'clock in the 
afternoon. The docks were crowded immensely 
during the day ; the fair sex, especially, was strong- 
ly represented. Amid the pealing of cannon and 
the farewell cheers of the multitude, we gradually 
distanced the shore. Those present will well re- 
member that memorable day. Gov. Sprague and 
the patriotic Bishop Clark accompanied the Second 
Regiment, infantry, on the State of Maine. On 
our approaching Fort Adams, we were saluted by 
the artillery there. By nightfall, we were made 
acquainted with the first government ration — pilot 
bread, the so-called salt-junk, and a cup of coffee. 
The meat was of a rather poor quality, although it 
was served out with good grace by our respected 
captain, W. H. Reynolds. 



TJiursdai/, June 20.— We steamed past Fort 
Schuyler, Hurl Gate, New York city, crossed the 
bay, and landed at Ehzabethport, by ten o'clock A. 
M. After a delay of several hours at the rail- 
road depot, the train started off. Much sympathy 
was displayed by the people of New Brunswick, 
Trenton, Easton and other places we passed 
through. Loud cheering hailed us at every station ; 
strawberries, pies, &c., were freely handed in the 
cars. 

^Wc%, June 21.— Arrived at Harrisburg early 
in the morning. CoflPee, bread and pies were given 
to us by inhabitants of that place. After a 
short halt, we resumed our journey, crossed the 
Susquehanna river, passed Little York, and arrived 
at Baltimore by eight o'clock in the evening. Our 
battery was immediately loaded on flats, drawn by 
horses to the top of the hill, the horses unhitched 
then, and the cars rolled down the other side to the 
Washington depot. Order was given not to accept 
of any refreshments from the citizens. No demon- 
stration was made, the throwing of a few bricks on 
the cars, in the neighborhood of the depot, excepted. 
Started for Washington by ten o'clock. 

Saturday, June 22.— Arrival at the National 
Capital. Bv daylight the cupola of the Capitol 
greeted our eyes, a reviving sight after three sleep- 
less nights. Col. Ambrose E. Burnside and Capt. 
ChDS. H. Tompkins had a breakfast prepared for us, 
consisting of roast beef, soft bread and coffee. 
After unloading battery, we marched towards Camp 



Sprague, and established our quarters on the left of 
those of the First R. I. infantry regiment and bat- 
tery. Our camp was named " Camp Clark," in 
honor of the celebrated Bishop Clark, of Rhode Isl- 
and, the model of a Christian minister and true 
patriot. 

Sunday^ June 23. — The sanctity of the day was 
well observed throughout the camp, and increased 
by an impressive sermon, preached by Bishop Clark. 
In the afternoon, passes were given to the men to 
visit the city. The day closed with a dress parade, 
President Lincoln and other functionaries being 
present. 

Monday^ June 24. — Grand review of the Rhode 
Island troops by President Lincoln and Gen. Scott. 
Marched in^ront of the White House and through 
the principal streets of Washington. 

From this time up to the 4th of July, nothing of 
importance occurred; everything went on quiet 
and pleasant ; battery drills and manual of the piece 
were the usual occupation. Sometimes the long 
roll would be beat during the night, or guards 
would fire at some imaginary object of suspicio-n. 
On such an occasion a cow was shot. 

Thursday^ July 4. — The day w^as duly celebrated 
in camp. Rhode Island furnished her troops with 
a good dinner. Prof. Sweet treated the multitude 
with a tight rope performance. The day passed off 
smoothly, with the exception of a strange display 
of authority by a few corporals, laboring under the 
idea that their dignity was injured by the men not 
paying enough respect to them. In those days 



gunners and caisson corporals played gentlemen. 
They not only expected to be saluted by privates, 
but induced the men of their respective detachments 
to hire negroes to black the boots for all the men, 
while actually it was only to Avait on the corporals ; 
yet they did not want to stand the expense alone. 
Let it be said in our honor, we allowed this humbug 
to be of but short duration. I cannot help mention- 
ing the names of the men of the fourth detachment, 
not because the men were any better than others, 
but because it furnished the most commissioned and 
non-commissioned officers of any other in the bat- 
tery. Corporals, Charles H. Clark and Harry C. 
Cushing. Privates, Wm. Drape, George Green- 
leaf, John H. Lawrence, Ben. S. Monroe, Richard 
Percival, Theodore Reichardt, Robert Rowbottom, 
Robert Raynor, Charles V. Scott, and Arnold A. 
Walker. 

Tuesday^ July 9. — A sad accident occurred to- 
day. At section drill, through some unknown 
cause, a limber-chest of Lieut. Yaughan's section, 
filled with cartridges, exploded, while the gunnner 
Morse, and privates Bourne and Freeman were 
mounted. They were thrown some twenty feet 
lip in the air. Morse and Bourne died within the 
space of an hour. Freeman, being badly injured, 
recovered after a lingering sickness. Two drivers 
were slightly wounded, and two horses injured. 
We escorted the bodies of Morse and Bourne 
to the depot, to be sent to Rhode Island. 

TJiursday^ July 11. — Grand review before Presi- 



10 

dent Lincoln, Gens. Scott and Fremont. Salutes 
were fired. 

Monday July 15. — Great excitement in camp ; 
order was received to get ready for a forward move- 
ment ; ammunition packed ; haversacks and can- 
teens were issued. 

Tuesday^ July 16. — The morning of that day 
found us marching across the Long Bridge, directly 
through Fort Runyon, on the Virginia side ; did 
not march over seven miles ; after which we formed 
in line of battle and prepared to camp for the night, 
this being the first night in the open air. All quiet 
during the night. 

Wednesday^ July 17. — Resumed our march soon 
after break of day, and entered Fairfax Court 
House, contrary to our expectations, towards one 
o'clock, at mid-day, the rebels having evacuated 
the town shortly before our entrance. Their rear 
guard could be plainly seen some distance off. 
Our battery formed in park near the court house. 
Some of the boys were very lucky in finding a 
good dinner served on a table in one of the houses, 
besides some articles of value, undoubtedly belong- 
ing to some confederate officers. Some picket firing 
during the night. 

Thursday^ July 18. — Advance at daylight. A 
part of the Union army. Gen. Tyler's troops, en- 
gaged. This conflict the rebels call battle of Bull 
Run. While the contest was raging, our division 
halted two miles to the left of Fairfax Court House, 
at a place called Germantown. We could plainly 



11 

hear the distant booming of artillery, and were im- 
patiently waiting for the order, "forward." To- 
wards four o'clock P. M., we advanced again ; 
preparations were made to get in action ; sponge 
buckets filled with water, and equipments distributed 
among the cannoniers. But when we approached 
Centreville, intelligence came that our troops got 
worsted and the contest w^as given up. Our divi- 
sion went to camp within a mile and a half of Cen- 
treville. Strong picket lines w^e drawn up. 

Friday^ July 19. — Camp near Centreville. The 
troops remained quiet all day. Fresh beef as ra- 
tions. 

Saturday^ July 20. — Quiet during the day. 
About six o'clock in the evening the army got 
ready to advance ; but after council of war was 
held by the chief commanders, they concluded to 
wait till the next day. 

Sunday^ July 21. — Battle of Manassas Plains. 
This battle will always occupy a prominent place 
in the memory of every man of the battery. They 
all expected to find a disorganized mob, that would 
disperse at our mere appearance ; while, to the 
general surprise, they not only w*ere better disci- 
plined, but also better officered than our troops. 
We started by two o'clock in the morning, but 
proceeded very slowly. Passed Centreville before 
break-of-day. When the sun rose in all its glory, 
illuminating the splendid scenery of the Blue Ridge 
mountains, though no sun of Austerlitz to us, we 
crossed the bridge over the Cub Run. By this 



12 

time, the report of the 30-pounder Parrott gun be- 
longing to Schenck's command, who had met the 
enemj, was heard. Our division turned off to the 
right, and marched some miles through dense 
woodland, to the Warrenton road. Towards ten 
o'clock, nothing could be seen of the enemy yet^ 
and the belief found circulation that the enemy had 
fallen back. Experience proved that, had we re- 
mained at Centre ville, the rebel army would un- 
doubtedly have attacked us ; but liearing of our 
advance they only had to lay in ambush, ready 
to receive us. At the aforesaid time, the Second 
Rhode Island infantry deployed as skirmishers. 
We advanced steadily, till arriving at the Bull 
Run and Sudley's church, a halt was ordered to 
rest the men and the horses. But it should not be ; 
the brave Second R. I. Regiment, coming up to 
the enemy, who was concealed in the woods, their 
situation was getting critical. The report of can- 
non and musketry followed in rapid succession. 
Our battery, after passing Sudley's church, com- 
menced to trot in great haste to the place of combat.. 
At this moment Gen. McDowell rode up in great 
excitement, shouting to Capt. Reynolds : " Forw^^rd 
with your light battery." This was entirely need- 
less, as we were going at high speed, for all were 
anxious to come to the rescue of our Second regi- 
ment. In quick time we arrived in the open space 
where the conflict was raging already in its greatest 
fury. The guns were unlimbered, with or without 
command ; no matter, it was done, and never did 



13 

better music sound to the ears of the Second Regi- 
ment, than the quick reports of our guns, driving 
back the advancing foe. For nearly forty minutes 
our battery and the Second Regiment, defended 
that ground before any other troops were brought 
into action. Then the First Rhode Island, Seventy- 
first New York, and Second New Hampshire, with 
two Dahlgren howitzers, appeared, forming on the 
right and left. The enemy was driven successfully 
in our immediate front. Our battery opened on 
one of the enemy's liMit batteries to our right, 
which left after a short but spirited engagement, in 
a rather demoralized state. Griffith's, Ayer's and 
Rickett's batteries coming up, prospects really 
looked promising, and victory seemed certain. The 
rebel line gradually giving way. Gen. McDowell, 
seeing the explosion of perhaps a magazine or a 
caisson, raised his cap, shouting, " Soldiers, this is 
the great explosion of Manassas,*' and seemed to 
be highly pleased with the work done by our bat- 
tery. Owing to different orders, the battery, to- 
wards afternoon, was split into sections. Capt. 
Reynolds, with Lieuts. Tompkins and Weeden, off 
to the right, while the two pieces of the left section, 
to the left ; Lieuts. Yaughan and Munroe remain- 
ing with the last mentioned. Firing was kept up 
incessantly, until the arrival of confederate rein- 
forcements, coming down from Manassas Junction, 
unfurling the stars and stripes, whereby our officers 
were deceived to such a degree as to give the order, 
" Cease firing." This cessation of our artillery fire 

2 



14 

proved, no doubt, disastrous. It was the turning 
point of the battle. Our Hnes began to waver after 
receiving the volleys of the disguised columns. The 
setting sun found the fragments of our army not 
only in full retreat but in a complete rout, leaving 
most of the artillery in the hands of the enemy. 
Our battery happened to be the only six gun volun- 
teer battery, carrying all the guns oiFthe battle-field, 
two pieces in a disabled condition. A battery- 
wagon and forge were lost on the field. Retreat- 
ing the same road we advanced on in the morning. 
All of a sudden the cry arose, *' The Black Horse 
Cavalry is coming." The alarm proved to be false ; 
yet it had the effect upon many soldiers to throw 
away their arms. But the fears of many soldiers 
that the enemy would try to cut off our re- 
treat, were partly realized. Our column having 
reached Cub Run bridge, was at once furiously at- 
tacked on our right by artillery and cavalry. Un- 
fortunately, the bridge being blocked up, the confu- 
sion increased. All discipline was gone. Here 
our battery was lost, all but one gun, that of the 
second detachment, which was carried through the 
creek. It is kept at the armory of the Marine 
Artillery, in Providence. At the present time, 
guns, under such circumstances, would not be left 
to the enemy without the most strenuous efforts 
being made to save them. We assembled at the 
very same camp we left in the morning. Credit is 
due to Capt. Reynolds, for doing everything possible 
for the comfort of his men. At midnight the de- 



15 

feated army took up its retreat towards Washington. 
Our battery consisting of one gun, and the six- 
horse team, drove by Samuel Warden. 

Monday^ July 22. — Arrived at, and effected our 
passage across the Long Bridge, by ten o'clock, 
and found ourselves once more at Camp Clark, 
where we had a day of rest after our dehiit on the 
battle-field yesterday, under the scorching sun of 
Virginia. 

Wednesday, July 24. — Lieut. Albert Munroe 
addressed the battery in regard to the battle, and 
attributed our defeat to the want of discipline. The 
men felt very indignant at his remarks. "We had 
to come down to regulations, the same as in the 
regular armj, and should consider ourselves almost 
as State prison convicts." We have since seen 
that he meant no insult towards the battery ; but 
have found out to our satisfaction that he spoke the 
truth, for we have seen the time that put us almost 
on the same level with convicts. 

Thursday^ July 25. — Received the first govern- 
ment pay in gold. The First Regiment left Camp 
Sprague for home, marching by our camp. Capt. 
Reynolds proposed cheers for every company, 
which was spontaneously replied to. 

Saturday, July 27. — Men of every detachment 
were selected to accompany an expedition on board 
a steamer towards Aquia Creek, to try one of 
James' rifled guns of heavy calibre upon the rebel 
battery there. They all returned in the evening 
without any disaster having occurred. 



16 

Sunday^ July 28. — The Second Battery left 
Camp Clark by four o'clock P. M., for Harper's 
Ferry, to receive the guns of the First Battery, 
whose terra of service had expired. Gov. Sprague 
made a short speech to the men. The battery 
travelled by way of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail- 
road, via Annapolis Junction and the Relay House. 

Monday^ July 29. — Arrived at Sandy Hook by 
two o'clock P. M. Relieved the First Battery, 
the pieces being turned over to us. They started 
for home in the evening. Our camp is one mile 
from Weavertown. The right section under Lieut. 
Vaughan, took position on Maryland Heights, which 
command Loudon Heights and Harper's Ferry. 
Gen. Banks is in command of this department. 
From this time, up to the thirteenth of August, 
nothing exciting occurred. Battery drill in the 
morning and the manual of the piece in the after- 
noon. Extremely hot weather during daytime, 
dapt. Reynolds went home on a furlough. 

Tuesday, August 13. — News arrived towards 
evening that the rebels were making a demonstra- 
tion at Berlin and Point of Rocks. Lieut. Vaughan's 
section left Maryland Heights, going directly to- 
wards Berlin by eight o'clock. The other sections, 
commanded by Lieut. Munroe, left Sandy Hook 
for Point of Rocks, marched all night, and arrived 
■at said place the next morning, by seven o'clock. 

Wedyiesday, August 14. — The Twenty-eighth 
Pennsylvania, commanded by Col. Geary, occupied 



17 

the town. We established our camp about five 
o'clock, P. M., close to that of the Twenty-eighth 
Pennsylvania Volunteers. 

Thursday^ August 15. — Witnessed the drum- 
ming out of a soldier of the Twenty-eighth Penn- 
sylvania for stealing from his comrades. 

Friday^ August 16. — Return of Capt. Reynolds, 
with the Third Battery, afterwards Battery B, 
Rhode Island Light Artillery, and some recruits 
for ours. The newly raised battery should have 
relieved us, and taken our pieces, as we had the 
promise of entirely new ones. We all expected to 
return to Washington; but Col. Geary, being in 
the immediate neighborhood of rebel troops, re- 
monstrated against our departure, saying he would 
not rely on a new battery at such a critical moment. 
Owing to this, the Third Battery returned to 
Washington the same evening, in command of 
Lieut. Vaughan, he being promoted to Captain. 
Sergeant-Major Randolph was promoted to Lieu- 
tenant. All quiet up to 

Wednesday^ August 21. — The Twenty-eighth 
Pennsylvania received two guns for their own use. 
Signs of a demonstration show themselves this eve- 
ning. All our baggage was sent off; the tents only 
left standing, ready to be burnt in case we had to 
leave. 

Thursday^ August 22. — The right section left 
Berlin and went towards Frederick City. 

2* 



18 

Friday^ August 23. — Rebel cavalry plainly to 
be seen on tbe other side of the Potomac. 

Saturday^ August 24, and Sunday, August 25. 
— Quiet. Great slaughter amongst turkeys and 
chickens ! 

Monday, August 26. — Great excitement. Re- 
ports of artillery firing in the direction of Edwards 
Ferry, created considerable stir. Capt. Reynolds, 
with two pieces, started towards Edwards Ferry. 
We changed our camp out of the enemy's sight. 
Nothing of interest from this time up to 

Sunday, September 1. — Col. Geary received 
three hundred additional men for his regiment. 

Monday, August 2. — Orders arrived for our re- 
maining section to unite forthwith with the rest of 
the battery at Darnestown. The morning was 
beautiful. The battery got ready to march. Col. 
Geary had his regiment drawn up in line. The 
whole regiment presented arms as w^e passed by, 
they being greatly attached to us, w^hile we gave 
nine cheers and a Narragansett for Col. Geary and 
his brave regiment. This day's march will always 
be a pleasant recollection for the surviving. Our 
road was leading through the most beautiful parts 
of Maryland. Late in the afternoon we arrived at 
Darnestown, and united once more with the rest of 
the battery, after having been parted for three 
weeks. Gen. Banks' headquarters are there, and 
all the troops of his command, lying around the 
town. We had a very pleasant camp, but should 
not enjoy it long. 



19 

Wednesday^ September 4. — After returning from 
a battery drill, orders awaited our section, in com- 
mand of Lieut. J. A. Tompkins. We left Dames- 
town at five o'clock P. M., going at a fast rate 
towards Great Falls, a distance of ten miles. At 
our arrival we found the Seventh Pennsylvania 
Regiment, commanded by Col. Harvey. During 
the day the enemy had some pieces of artillery in 
position, to bear on the water-works at Great Falls, 
and on the Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, firing 
a hundred rounds. Only one man was wounded. 
Col. Harvey guided our battery through the woods 
at midnight. Our section took position on the 
edge of a knoll, while the Seventh fortified our 
guns. It rained during the night. 

TJiursday^ September 5. — At dawn of day, con- 
trary to our expectations, the enemy did not open 
on us again. Having had no food since the day 
before, some of us went to the town, and as fortune 
would have it, found bread, molasses, and that re- 
nowned coffee kettle, the fourth detachment will 
well remember. We enjoyed a good soldiers' 
breakfast. Lieut. Tompkins, behaving towards the 
men like a gentleman, they would have done most 
anything for him. In several cases he relieved our 
wants, out of his own purse. Late in the afternoon 
we left Great Falls, marching towards Seneca xvlills, 
as the enemy made various demonstrations up and 
down the Potomac. Rain falling incessantly, and 
passing through dense woods marching became a 
matter of impossibility, and it was decided to halt 



20 

by the roadside until daylight. An unoccupied 
house being close by, we all took possession of it, 
and found ourselves quite comfortable. 

Friday^ September 6. — A bright morning greeted 
our eyes. The clear sky promised a pleasant day. 
We discovered an orchard near by, which furnished 
us with a variety of the most beautiful peaches. 
After taking a good supply of them, marching was 
resumed. Arrived by nine o'clock A. M. at Camp 
Jackson, occupied by the Thirty-fourth Regiment 
New York Volunteers, Col. LaDue. We were 
well received. Towards evening, the Colonel and 
Lieut. Tompkins took the fifth piece along, in the 
direction of the Potomac, getting the gun in posi- 
tion close to the canal, after masking it. All quiet 
durino; the ni^ht. 

Sunday^ September 8. — A few shots were fired 
into the Old Dominion, without any response by 
the enemy. 

Monday^ September 9. — Major Charles H. Tomp- 
kins, in company with Col. Wheaton, of the Second 
Rhode Island Regiment, tried a few shots, without 
reply. 

Tuesday, September 10. — Gov. Sprague, Col. 
Wheaton, Major Tompkins, and Capt. Reynolds, 
visited the section on picket. Quiet up to 

Monday^ September 16. — In the evening, some of 
the Thirty-fourth New York Regiment crossed the 
river, had a skirmish with the rebels, and returned 
with the loss of four men. Capt. Reynolds being 
promoted to Major, left the battery. So did Lieut. 



21 

Albert Munroe, promoted to Captain. Lieut. 
Tompkins, also promoted, took command of our 
battery. 

Tuesday^ September 17. — Our piece kept on fir- 
ing at an imaginary enemy for a whole liour ; the 
Major of the Thirty-fourth being present. Nothing 
remarkable up to 

Sunday^ September 22. — Squads ot cavalry and 
infantry Adsible on the Virginia shore. Great 
changes took place during this period. Orderly J. 
H. Newton being promoted to Lieutenant, took 
command of the left section. Sergeants Owen and 
Randolph, after having been promoted to Lieuten- 
ants, left the batteiy, and were transferred to other 
Rhode Island batteries. The State having organ- 
ized a regiment of light artillery, on the thirteenth 
of August, we were no longer called the Second 
Battery, but Battery A. 

Monday^ September 23. — Orders came to leave 
the picket line at dark, and return to Camp Jack- 
son. 

Tuesday^ September 24. — We were paid off in 
gold for two months service. Quiet in Camp 
Jackson up to 

Monday^ September 30. — The section returned 
to Darnestown, and the battery w^as once more 
together. 

Tuesday^ October 1. — One o'clock A. M. Or- 
ders arrived to return immediately to Seneca Mills. 
The left section marched at once, arriving towards 



22 

day-break. At sunrise, the fifth gun went on 
picket duty once more. Lieut. Newton, Sergeants 
Hammond and Read, were with the left section. 
Commenced to throw up intrenchments during the 
night. 

Thursday^ October 3. — Left the picket Hne again, 
returned to Camp Jackson, started for Darnestown 
by six o'clock, and arrived there by eight o'clock 
P. M. Thus ended our stay at Seneca Mills, 
the most pleasant period of our three years service. 
Vegetables and fruit, chickens and pigs, were plenty, 
for we owned the whole plantation of that old rebel 
Peters, who was sent to Fort Lafayette for treason. 
The Thirty-fourth New York, having the picket 
line on the river, always proved good companions. 
The view of the surrounding country is really im- 
posing, including Sugar Loaf Mountain, the natural 
observatory of the signal corps. Some remarkable 
items must not be forgotten — ^for instance, novel 
songs of" The Nice Legs ;" '^ Jimmy Nutt's Measur- 
ing the Guard Time by the Moon;" "Griffin's 
Apple Sauce," and "Doughnuts for Horses." 

Sunday^ October 6. — Camp at Darnestown. 
The battery received three new guns in the after- 
noon. Lieut. J. G. Hassard, having joined our 
battery, at Darnestown, commanded the right sec- 
tion as First Lieutenant. Company cooking was 
introduced by him. Before that, every detachment 
done its own cooking. The enterprise itself, of 
cooking for the whole company, and the selling of 
a part of the rations, for raising a company fund. 



23 

•would have been well enough, but the management 
was extremely poor. Some days we fared well ; 
on other days there would be no dmner, but a de- 
testable bacon soup, hardly fit for hogs. We were 
told that the government rations would not admit of 
a dinner every day. But what good did it do then 
to sell rations, under the pretext of raising a com- 
pany fund? This is a question which never could 
nor never will be satisfactorily explained by those 
who started it. 

3Ionday^ October T. — Capt. Tompkins very sud- 
denly marched off to Harper's Ferry, with the right 
section. Thunder storm in the evening. 

Friday^ October 11. — A new lieutenant for our 
battery arrived to-day. Jeffrey Hassard, our First 
Lieutenant's brother. 

Sunday^ October 13. — Gov. Sprague visited the 
camp. Private Benedict deserted. 

Tuesday^ October 15. — Parade drill of the bat- 
tery, in presence of Gov. Sprague, and Col. Tomp- 
kins, the drill proving very satisfactor3^ Capt. 
Vaughan visited us the same evening, and addressed 
us as follows : " Boys, I deserve to be kicked for 
ever leaving this battery, because, by right, it is my 
battery, and I should be with you. (Vociferous 
cheering, and cries, *' Give us our old officers, and 
we will show you that we can drill.") Capt. 
Vaughan, mounting his horse, appeared very much 
affectedv Turning round once more, he said, " I 
am hanging around; it is hard for me to leave 



24 

you." Answer of the men : "We know it. You 
are a man every inch of you." Nine cheers for 
Capt. Vaughan, our old First Lieutenant, vibrated 
through the air. 

Wednesday, October 16. — Battery drill, and 
speech by our First Lieutenant. Gen. Banks 
visited our camp this evening. Nothing import- 
ant up to 

Saturday, October 19. — Gen. Banks and staff 
honored our battery drill with their presence. 
Col. Geary of the Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania, 
and Capt. Tompkins, with the right section, had a 
fight with the rebels at Harper's Ferry and Boli- 
var Heights. Our right section, occupying Mary- 
land Heights, fired into Bolivar and on a rebel 
battery on Loudon Heights. Even the drivers 
served an old iron gun. Col. Geary's troops, cross- 
ing the river in scows, carried the fight to Bolivar 
Heights. No loss of men in the right section. 

Monday, October 21.— Battle of Ball's Blufi'. 
Gen. Stone crossed the Potomac near Conrad's 
Ferry, across Harrison's Island, with Col. Baker's 
brigade, this morning. (Forty-second New York, 
Fifteenth and Twentieth Massachusetts Regiments, 
and a piece of artillery, of Capt. Vaughan's battery. 
The rest of the battery stayed on Harrison Island.") 
By seven o'clock in the evening,, the whole division 
of Gen. Banks left Darnestown, going to Edwards 
Ferry. Our battery started about nine o'clock. 
Arriving at Poolesville, we heard of the disastrous 



25 

result. Our troops had withdrawn from Ball's 
BlufF. Col. Baker's corpse was brought into town. 

Tuesday^ October 22. — Arrived at Edwards 
Ferry by six o'clock A. M. Two thousand men 
were already landed on the Virginia shore, opposite 
the ferry, others were continually crossing on canal 
boats. Since daylight, rain fell incessantly. On 
the Virginia side, skirmishing was going on all day. 
At five o'clock both lines of battle advanced. A 
brisk fio-ht commenced. Two brass howitzers of 
Rickett's battery. First United States Artillery, did 
good execution, being in position on the Virginia 
shore. While the fight continued, the Twenty- 
eighth Pennsylvania, Col. Geary, the Twenty- 
ninth, Col. Mury, and Van Allen's cavalry, were 
sent as reinforcements across the Potomac. Fight- 
ing ceased an hour afterwards. Capt. Vaughan 
went to the enemy's lines, under a flag of truce, to 
see about some of his wounded men in the hands 
of the rebels. Gen. McClellan arrived at night. 

Wednesday^ October 23. — A clear day. The 
enemy in great force around Leesburg. We can 
see the church steeples of that place. Skirmishing 
kept up all day. In the evening our battery re- 
ceived orders to embark and cross the river, — Capt, 
Tompkins, having come back from Harper's Ferry, 
with the right section, the evening before, — three 
guns were already loaded on a canal boat, together 
with Company C, First Maryland Regiment, and 
started ; but the current of the stream being too 
strong, and losing half of the oars, they had to re- 



26 

turn again. Orders awaited us already to disem- 
bark immediately, and return to camp. All the 
troops withdrew from the Virginia shore before 
daylight, — eight thousand men in all. 

Thursday^ October 24. — After all the troops had 
been withdrawn, the rebel pickets held the line 
close to the river, and fired a shot once in a while, 
Rickett's, ours, and Captain Bess' batteries, were 
drawn up in one hue. Our battery is detached to 
General Williams' brigade. 

Friday^ October 25. — Remained the same, at Ed- 
wards Ferry. 

Saturday ^ October 26. — General Williams' brig- 
ade and our battery marched off to Muddy Branch 
in the morning. Arrived there, in camp of the 
Twenty-eighth New York, in the afternoon. 

Sunday^ October 27. — Established our camp. 

Monday^ October 28. — Commenced to build a 
stable for horses, three hundred feet long. Captain 
Bess, our chief of artillery. Our battery remained 
at Muddy Branch up to the twenty-seventh of No- 
vember. Little is to be said of this period. Drill 
as usual. Received the news of the taking of 
Beaufort, South Carolina, and the capture of 
Slidell and Mason. Captain Reynolds visited the 
battery for the last time, having been promoted to 
Lieutenant Colonel of the Rhode Island artillery, 
and transferred to another department. 

Wednesday^ November 27. — The battery left 
Muddy Branch, with the understanding to go into 



27 

winter-quarters near Poole sville. We were told 
that we should have many drills together with Bat- 
tery B, no longer Captain Vaughan's battery, who, 
having had disagreements, left the service. We 
marched by nine o'clock in the morning. The 
weather was very unpleasant, raining and freezing 
all day. Passed through Poolesville at four o'clock, 
and commenced to pitch tents by five o'clock. Our 
camp is next to Battery B's, commanded by Lieu- 
tenant Perry. We had a good reception by the 
men, who treated all of us to coffee. 

Thursday^ November 28. — Thanksgiving day. 
Governor Sprague furnished twenty turkeys for us. 

Friday^ 29^i, and Saturday^ Novewher 30. — A 
stable for the horses commenced on, 

Sunday^ December 1, to Tuesday the lOth. — No- 
thing of any consequence happened. Camp wore 
a wintry aspect. The time was mostly occupied in 
building stables for the horses. Colonel Tompkins, 
now on General Stone's staff, arrived at Poolesville ; 
we did no lono;er belono; to General Banks' division, 
but to General Stone's. 

Tuesday^ December 10. — Our division had quite 
an interesting sham-fight at Poolesville, four regi- 
ments of infantry, three batteries, and Van Allen's 
cavalry partaking in it. We fired blank cartridges. 
Van Allen's cavalry had several men injured in 
charging. 

Wednesday^ December 11. — While going to a 
drill, through Poolesville, on trot, Corporal Burrows 



28 

was thrown off the hmber-chest, and his leg broken 
by a wheel passing over him. 

Thu7'sda2/, December 12. — Great artillery ma- 
noeuvre. 

Friday, December 13. — Batteries A and B were 
ordered to report near Conrad's Ferry, where we 
arrived before sunrise, it being only five miles from 
our camp. While going through the woods, orders 
were given not to talk loud, the distance between 
us and the enemy being not more than three miles 
at the time. The enemy's position, which was a 
fortified one, consisting of two forts, called Beaure- 
gard and Johnson, had already been reconnoitred 
from a balloon, the day before. At our arrival, we 
found General Stone and Colonel Tompkins, with 
two companies of Van Allen's cavalry, two com- 
panies of the Thirty-fourth New York, and two of 
the First Minnesota, already there. We opened 
on the two forts, without much effect. Lieutenant 
Perry was more successful, with his Parrott guns. 
The enemy could be seen standing in squads by his 
artillery, yet no reply was made. By four o'clock 
we all withdrew, except the Parrott guns of Bat- 
tery B, doing picket duty. The old members will 
remember, when returning to camp, Lieutenant 
Perry rode that nigger down. Quiet up to 

Wednesday, December 18. — The right section 
went to Conrad's Ferry, but returned in the eve- 
ning. 

Wednesday, December 25. — Christmas. Our 
officers presented the company with a barrel of 
beer. 



29 

Thursday^ December 26. — The project was start- 
ed to build huts for winter-quarters. Details were 
made every day, to cut heavy timber, which was 
done for a week. But luckily, it failed completely, 
as it would have taken at least four months to get 
ready, by the plan worked on. Officers quarters 
had to be built first, then non-commissioned officers, 
and last, the poor privates. In fact, a great nui- 
sance in the army, is the illegal using of soldiers for 
manual service for the benefit of comissioned offi- 
cers, which is altogether contrary to army regula- 
tions. It is revolting to the mind, to see men, who 
perhaps never have been anything at home, make 
slaves of their equals, just because they happen to 
be in command of them, and this, they give the 
wrong name of discipline. 

Friday^ Becemher 27. — Arrival of Battery B, 
Pennsylvania artillery, coming from McCall's divi- 
sion, after having participated in the battle of 
Drainesville. 

Monday^ December 30. — The centre section, com- 
manded by Lieutenant Jeffrey Hassard, relieved 
the section of Battery B, on picket at Conrad's 
Ferry. Our detachment accidentally changed its 
position in the battery — we were transferred to the 
centre section, being the fourth piece, sixth detach-, 
ment. We arrived at the ferry by one o'clock P. 
M., and took up our quarters in a deserted nigger- 
shanty. Splendid view of the Potomac and Blue 
Ridge Mountains. At night, the camp-fires of the 
rebels were visible. 

3* 



30 

Tuesday^ December 31. — On picket, at Conrad's 
Ferry. The rebel camp plainly to be seen. In- 
fantry and cavalry drilling outside the forts. 

END OF THE YEAR 1861. 



1863. 

Our Campaigns in the year 1862; The campaign 
to Winchester^ under Greneral Banks. The great 
Peninsular campaign^ under General McClellan. 
The campaign in Maryland under the same ; and 
Burnside^s campaign on the Rappahannock^ end- 
ing with the battle of Fredericksburg. 

Wednesday^ January 1. — Battery in camp near 
Poolesville; we, the centre section, on picket at 
Conrad's Ferry. Our picket duty, at this place, 
has been a very pleasant one, being very light, ex- 
cept the guard duty. Firing of videttes was very 
frequent during the night. But never did either 
party disturb the other with artillery practice dur- 
ing our stay. Sometimes signal rockets were sent 
np on the Maryland side, by rebel sympathizers, 
which were generally answered from the Virginia 
*shore. General Stone had strong block-houses, 
of solid oak-timber, built on the line from Muddy 
Branch to Conrad's Ferry, for the defence of the 
Maryland side, large enough to hold three hundred 
men each. May it be remembered, pigs had to 
suffer in our neighborhood. The weather, having 



31 

been pleasant for weeks, became very wintry after 
the first of January. 

Sunday^ January 5. — Battery G, Captain Owen, 
Rhode Island, (four twenty-pound Parrott guns 
and two howitzers,) arrived at Poolesville. 

Tuesday^ January 7. — Great liveliness in the 
rebel forts, — bands playing and soldiers strengthen- 
ing the fortifications. 

Thursday^ January 9. — Severe cold since yes- 
terday. The Potomac froze to-day. A steam tug 
coming up the river, was a rare sight to both sides. 

Friday^ January 10. — An officer of the First 
Minnesota Regiment appeared at our quarters, com- 
municating that rebel pickets occupied Harrison's 
Island. 

Saturday^ January 11. — Nothing stirring. 

Sunday J January 12. — Considerable picket firing. 
Nothing important up to 

Monday^ January 20. — The centre section was 
relieved from picket at Conrad's Ferry, by the left 
section, under Lieut. Newton. The guns of the 
former remained there to be taken by the left sec- 
tion. 

Wednesday^ January 22. — Received two months 
pay. News arrived in the evening of the Union 
victory at Springfield, Kentucky, and death of the 
rebel General Zollicoffer, in honor of which a na- 
tional salute of thirty-four guns was fired. Quiet 
in camp, the latter part of January. 

Saturday^ February 1. — During the past month 
the right section done picket duty once on the 
Potomac. 



32 

Monday^ February 3. — The left section relieved 
the right section to-day. 

Friday^ February 7. — Received the news of the 
surrender of Fort Henry. 

Saturday^ February 8. — General Stone was ar- 
rested to-day. General Sedgwick takes his com- 
mand. 

Monday^ February 10. — The centre section re- 
lieved the left section at Conrad's Ferry. 

Thursday^ February 13. — Considerable picket 
firing. Captain Owen opened with his twenty- 
pomid Parrott guns, from Edwards Ferry, on Fort 
Beauregard. Kept up firing for an hour. Four 
negroes crossed the river, bringing two horses along. 
Owen's Battery opened a second time in the after- 
noon. 

Friday^ February 14. — One of the pickets of the 
Thirty-fourth New York, shot the rebel officer of 
the day, passing the picket line alongside the river. 

Saturday^ February 15. — Heavy firing in the di- 
rection of Drainesville. Snow-storm. 

Sunday^ February 16. — Official news of the tak- 
ing of Fort Donelson. 

Monday^ February 17. — We (centre section) 
were relieved from picket duty by the right section, 
Lieutenant J. G. Hassard. 

Saturday^ February 22. — Camp Wilkes. The 
rebels fired salutes in honor of Washington's birth- 
day. 

Sunday^ February 23. — The rebels opened with 
their artillery, the first time during the winter, de- 
molishing a government wagon. 



33 

Monday^ February 24. — Orders came in the af- 
ternoon to get ready to march the coming day. 
New knapsacks were issued, and rations kept ready 
for three days. Great times in camp, especially in 
the sixth detachment, all the rations on hand being 
sold to Benson's for whiskey. Who would not re- 
member S. that evening, the stove, and O ! Su ! 

Tuesday^ February 25. — Sedgwick's division left 
Poolesville at eight o'clock, A. M. Marched 
through Barnesville, and after several unsuccessful 
attempts to get the artillery across the Sugar Loaf 
Mountain, stopped over night at the foot of the 
mountain. A very cold night. No tents. 

Wednesday^ February 26. — Marched at seven 
o'clock A. M. Arrived at Adamstown by eleven 
o'clock A. M. General Banks was at Harper's 
Ferry already. Troops w^ere passing by railroad, 
en route for Harper's Ferry, all the time. Our 
battery went in park, for the rest of the day, close 
to the railroad. General McClellan passed through 
in a special train. Rain all night. 

Thursday^ February 27. — The battery was load- 
ed on cars in the morning. The baggage teams, 
and the drivers with the battery-horses, went on 
the turnpike road, through Jefferson City, Peters- 
ville, Knoxville, and Weavertown, and arrived at 
Sandy Hook by nightfall. The cannoniers, coming 
by railroad, made a raid on a n amber of express 
boxes, after which, eatables and all sorts of liquors 
being plenty, all night, the happiness of the men 
reached such a degree, as to make it impossible to 



34 

post a guard, — Novel and Drape being the happiest 
men in the sixth detachment, while Jim Lewes hal- 
looed for Billy Knight all the time. The night was 
extremely windy and cold. 

Friday^ February 28. — The battery crossed the 
Potomac to Harper's Ferry on a pontoon bridge. 
We occupy one of the government buildings on the 
bill. 

Saturday^ March 1. — Kemained in our quarters 
up to 

Friday^ March 7. — Left Harper's Ferry. De- 
tached to General Gorman's brio-ade. Marched till 
within a mile of Charlestown, Virginia, and went 
in camp to the left of the road, close to the First 
Minnesota, Colonel Sully. 

Saturday^ March 8. — Remained in camp near 
Charlestown, and received new Sibly tents to-day. 

Monday^ March 10. — Marched through Charles- 
town, and thence to Berry ville. On this occasion, 
something happened that wants mentioning. When 
leaving Poolesville, Captain J. A. Tompkins order- 
ed the men to carry the knapsacks on the back. 
This is contrary to regulations. It created a great 
deal of dissatisfaction. The lot of a soldier is hard 
enough, without irritating him unreasonably. But, 
honor to the lamented hero. General Sedgwick, who, 
riding by our battery, at Charlestown, peremptorily 
ordered Captain Tompkins to have no more knap- 
sacks carried by any of his men. An engagement 
was anticipated. Rebels were seen beyond Ripton. 
By one and a-half o'clock, our left section unlimber- 



35 

cd, and fired two shells towards Berry ville. Van 
Allen's, and the Eighth Michigan cavalry, drove 
the rebel cavalry, two hundred and fifty strong, out 
of the town. Our battery followed closely — Gor- 
man's brigade in our rear. The stars and bars 
were lowered from the church steeple, and a sub- 
stitute furnished in the shape of the colors of the 
First Minnesota. The pieces of the battery were 
brought in separate position by sections. 

Tuesday^ March 11. — Halted at Berry ville dur- 
ing daytime. In the evening, the battery united 
outside the town, going in camp ; but the guns in 
position. 

Wednesday, March 12. — Some men of the First 
Minnesota, and Corporal Butler, of our battery, 
took possession of Gregg's printing office, of" The 
Berry ville Observator," and published quite a 
number of copies of said paper. News of McClel- 
lan's occupation of Manassas arrived, in consequence 
of which, a salute of forty guns was fired. In the 
evening, when Captain Tompkins rode into camp, 
the assembly was blown at once, and he addressed 
the men as follows : " Boys, a fight is going on at 
Winchester, and this battery must be there within 
twenty-five minutes." Camp was struck, and the 
battery on the road, when the order was counter- 
manded. 

Thursday, March 13. — At Berry ville. Marched 
by eight o'clock A. M. towards Winchester. 
When within two miles of the latter place, orders 
arrived for our division to return to Harper's Ferry. 



36 

General Banks' troops were occupying Winchester 
already. Arrived at Berryville again by four 
o'clock in the afternoon. 

Friday^ March 14. — Marched to our old camp- 
ground, beyond Charlestown. 

Saturday^ March 15. — Marched to Harper's 
Ferry, and occupied the government building, in 
which we were quartered before, again. A heavy 
rain-storm to-day. 

Saturday^ March 22. — We left Harper's Ferry 
in the morning. During the afternoon, the battery 
was loaded on railroad cars at Sandy Hook. The 
train started by seven o'clock in the evening, for 
Washington. 

Sunday^ March 23. — Arrived at Washington by 
eleven o'clock A. M., and unloaded the battery at 
once. Marched from the depot to the camp of the 
New England cavalry. The guns were guarded 
near the depot. The horses, under charge of Cap- 
tain Tompkins, and Lieutenant J. G. Hassard, 
were coming on the country road. 

Monday^ March 24. — At Camp "Dunkins." 
Quiet. 

Tuesday^ March 25. — The drivers arrived with 
the horses. In the afternoon, our James' rifle guns 
were returned to the Washington Arsenal, and 
those of Battery I, First United States regulars, 
given to us. They consist of four Parrott guns 
and two brass howitzers. 

Wednesday^ March 26. — Camp Dunkins. No- 
thing important. 



37 

Thursday, 3Iarch 27. — We are to join McClel- 
lan's army on the Peninsula. Had battery drill in 
the afternoon, and directly after that marched to 
the foot of G street to load the battery. Recruits 
arrived from Rhode Island, — Joseph Brooks, who 
was taken prisoner at the Bull Run battle amongst 
them. 

Friday, March 28. — The guns were loaded on 
board the propeller Novelty ; the horses on the 
barge Onrust. Those of the right section on the 
schooner Charmer. The vessels started by twelve 
o'clock M. Dropped anchor in front of Alexandria 
at six o'clock in the evening. 

Sunday, March 30. — On board the Onrust. 
Started again at daylight in tow of the steamer 
Golden Gate, having four companies of the First 
Minnesota aboard. Anchored near Port Tobacco 
in the evening. 

Monday March 31. — Steamed down the Chesa- 
peake Bay, and dropped anchor opposite Fortress 
Monroe. 

Tuesday, April 1. — Two French men-of-war 
and the Monitor, close to the Onrust. Eighteen 
men from the centre section were sent to Hampton 
Roads in a small boat, in the afternoon, to unload 
the battery from the Novelty. Some of the other 
sections arrived there before us. At dark the cen- 
tre section was sent back to the schooner ; but, 
unable to find it in the dark, had to go aboard of 
one of the schooners occupied by Battery B. 
4 



38 

Wednesday^ April 2. — Returned to Hampton at 
daylight. The battery and liorses were unloaded 
at once. General Sedgwick ordered the battery to 
go to camp outside of Hampton, which was done in 
the afternoon. 

Thursday^ April 3. — Hampton Roads. Great 
concentration of McClellan's army. Our batter}^ 
has to give up the tents. 

Friday^ April 4. — The Second Corps on the 
move. Started by eight o'clock A. M.; by four 
o'clock we went into park at Big Bethel, to camp 
for the night. 

Saturday^ April 5. — Marched at daybreak. 
Cannonading going on in front of Yorktown. Gen- 
eral McClellan passed the line amidst great cheer- 
ing of the troops. Strong intrenchments were 
found near Howard's Mills. At six o'clock P. M. 
we went to camp three miles from Yorktown. 

Sunday^ April 6. — Great scarcity of food. Our 
battery went on a reconnoisance with General 
Burns' brigade. Only the pieces were taken along, 
with eight horses to each. We are in plain 
sight of Yorktown. See the rebel flag floating 
from the parapet. They fire very frequently at 
our troops. After running suddenly against some 
of the enemy's batteries, we returned to our former 
camp, " Winfield Scott." 

Monday, April 1. — Siege of Yorktown. The 
engineers at work. Heavy ordnance on the way 
from Fortress Monroe. 



39 

Tuesday^ April 8. — All the pro\isions and forage 
has to be brought on the backs of mules and horses 
from Shipping Point and Cheeseman's Creek, the 
roads being impassable for wagons. 

Friday^ April 11. — Our battery at rest since 
Tuesday. News of the battle of Pittsburg Landing. 

Sunday, April 13. — Governor Sprague, General 
Barry, and Lieutenant Colonel Reynolds in our 
camp to-day. 

Wednesday^ April 16. — An engagement going 
on near Warwick Creek. Our division is ordered 
forward. We advanced to within two miles of the 
rebels' first line. The battery went to camp. 
Battery B was in action. 

Thursday, April 17. — Our two howitzers go to 
the front. Considerable fighting was going on 
during the night. Our four Parrott guns ready 
to march at a minute's notice. 

Friday, April 18. — At three o'clock P. M., 
orders came for our Parrott guns to advance to 
within a mile of the enemy ; wdien, getting in sight 
of the rebels, we were saluted by a twelve-pound 
shot, the only fired at us this day. The sections 
divided, the guns were unlimbered. We kept up 
a desultory fire until sunset. The guns Avere sighted 
for the night. The order given to fire one gun 
every thirty minutes at the enemy's works, which 
was carried out. 

Saturday, April 19. — A brisk cannonade, kept 
up since daylight from our side, without response 
from the enemy. By six o'clock P. M. the enemy 



40 

fired three times at Carlile's battery. Heavy 
picket firing at ten o'clock in the night. 

Sunday, April 20. — The rebel infantry fired 
several heavy volleys into our lines, doing no dam- 
age however. Generals Sumner, Sedgwick and 
Gorman inspected the line. Our battery fired 
steadily all the morning. We were relieved at 
four o'clock by Battery B, and went back to camp, 

Monday^ April 21. — Camp Scott. The Vermont 
brigade, under General Smith, was defeated at 
Warwick Creek. Temporary suspension of beating 
drums, sounding the bugle, and playing of musicians. 

Tuesday, April 22 — At nine o'clock A. M. we 
went to the front. The enemy fired twice at our 
arrival. We did not respond. In the evening we 
fell back to the woods, covered by the Fifteenth 
Massachusetts regiment. A siege gun was fired 
during; the night. 

Wednesday, April 23. — At the front. The en- 
emy fired twice in the morning, and several times 
in the evening. Fire returned in both cases. At 
dark we fell back again, in reserve. 

Thursday, April 24. — At the front. We were 
relieved at nine o'clock A. M., by Battery B. 
News arrived of McDowell's occupation of Fred- 
ericksburg. Heavy cannonade in the night. 

Saturday, April 26. — Fighting going on. Our 
battery was ordered to the front. At our arrival, 
fighting closed, and we went back to camp. 

Monday, April 28. — Going to the front. At ten 
o'clock P. M., General Sedgwick ordered Captain 



41 

Tompkins to take his battery to the Redoubt No. 7, 
to cover the finishing of Battery No. 8. The rebels 
commenced heavy shelHng, to which we rephed 
vigorously. Sections of Batteries B and G were also 
engaged in it. They returned to their camps at 
nightfall. We fell back in reserve, supported by 
the Fifteenth Regiment Massachusetts volunteers. 

Tuesday^ April 29. — At daylight we took posi- 
-tion in Battery No, 8, supported by one company 
of telescope-rifle sharp-shooters. The rebels kept 
up a heavy fire all day. We went back in reserve 
at dark. 

Wednesday^ April 30. — Battery No. 8. We 
were relieved in the morning by Battery B. Heavy 
cannonading in the night. 

Thursday^ May 1. — New^s of the capture of New 
Orleans. 

Friday, May 2. — Camp **Winfield Scott." 
Steady cannonading all day. 

Saturday, May 3. — The rebels are preparing to 
evacuate Yorktown. Heavy firing, day and night. 

Sunday, May 4. — Evacuation of Yorktown. 
Our lines advanced at daybreak, and found the 
fortifications deserted by the rebels, leaving most of 
the siege-guns behind. Stoneman's cavalry is fol- 
lowing up the enemy's rear-guard. Our whole 
army ready to march. 

Monday, May 5. — A battle going on at Williams- 
burgh since morning. Our division marched into 
Yorktown towards afternoon, under a heavy rain. 
Explosions of torpedoes very frequent. We com- 
4* 



42 

menced to camp inside the fortifications, but we 
were ordered to march towards WilKamsburgh im- 
mediately. The column started; halted shortly 
after on the turnpike road, and remained during 
the night, under an incessant rain. This was one 
of the most horrid nights we ever saw in the ser- 
vice. At two o'clock in the morning orders came 
for us to retire to our camps to rest. 

Tuesday^ May 6. — Our battery moved to the 
river, close to Yorktown, ready to be shipped. 
General Franklin's corps is embarking already. 
We loaded ammunition all day. 

Wednesday^ May 7. — Our guns were put aboard 
the steamer Delaware. "We started for West 
Point, at the mouths of the Pamunkey and Matta- 
pony rivers. Arrived there at five o'clock P. M., 
and dropped anchor for the night. General Frank- 
lin's corps had a fight with the enemy's rear-guard. 
. Thursday^ May 8. — Captain Arnold, of the reg- 
ular artillery, inspected the unloac'ing of our bat- 
tery. We camp close to the Pamunkey. 

Saturday^ May 10. — West Point. The horses 
were landed to-day. By five o'clock P. M., we 
marched two miles, and camped at Elkhorn, on the 
Pamunkey. 

Sunday^ May 11. — General McClelJan arrived 
here to-day. He brought the news of the destruc- 
tion of the Merrimac. 

Monday^ May 12. — At Elkhorn. Inspection of 
the division. 



43 

Thursday^ May 15. — Marched towards New 
Kent Court House, fifteen miles from Elkliorn. 
Our camp five miles from Cumberland Landing. 

Friday, May 16. — Camp Stumps, near New 
Kent Court House. 

Sunday, May 18. — Marched through the last 
mentioned place, and went to camp after having 
proceeded two miles. Remained there till 

Wednesday, May 21. — Marched at six o'clock 
A. M. Passed the Savage House, at the Balti- 
more cross-roads, (headquarters of McClellan,) St. 
Peter's Church, where Washington was married 
to Mrs. Custis, and went to camp a few miles from 
Bottoms' Bridge. General McClellan issued two 
rations of whiskey to the soldiers. 

Thursday, May 22. — Remained in camp near 
Bottoms' Bridge, on the York River Railroad. 
During the afternoon, a heavy hailstorm occurred. 
Pieces of ice, two inches in diameter, were found. 

Friday^ May 23. — We marched across the rail- 
road to Coal Harbor, to camp. We seem to be 
held as a reserve corps, ready to reinforce both 
wings of the army. 

Saturday, May 24. — Camp at Coal Harbor. 
Fighting is going on near the Chickahominy. 
The balloon is up. 

Sunday, May 25. — At Coal Harbor. All quiet. 

Monday, May 26. — Orders came to be ready to 
march. Everything was packed up ; but we re- 
mained. 



44 

Tuesday, May 27. — Coal Harbor. Fitz John 
Porter's corps, fighting near Hanover Court House. 
Great excitement amongst the troops. 

Wednesday, May 28. — The Second corps march- 
ed four miles this morning, to support Fitz John 
Porter's corps, near Mechanicsville. Went in line 
of battle near New Bridge, and remained there all 
day. 

Thursday, May 29. — Our corps returned to 
Coal Harbor by four o'clock P. M. Seven hun- 
dred prisoners were brought in. 

Friday, May 30. — Near Coal Harbor. Heavy 
rain. 

Saturday, May 31. — Commencement of the bat- 
tles of the Seven Pines and Fair Oaks. At two 
o'clock P. M., the battle began on the south side of 
the Chickahominy. The enemy attacked Casey's 
division. The Second corps got ready immediately, 
the Second division, General Sedgwick, leading to 
the Chickahominy. We crossed at Grape Vine 
Bridge, built by the First Minnesota, Colonel Sully, 
Battery I, First United States Regulars, being the 
first artillery to cross, under great dificulties, the 
guns sinking in up to the axle. Our battery fol- 
lowed next. Great excitement seemed to prevail 
about getting artillery forward. But for the timely 
arrival of the Second and Thirty-fourth New York, 
Fifteenth Massachusetts, and First Minnesota 
Regiments, the day would have been lost — especi- 
ally, the two New York regiments, fought with 
great determination. Not until night set in, the 



45 

battle ceased. Our battery stood in the middle of 
the road all night, ^he order was to be in line of 
battle by two o'clock A. M. 

Sunday^ June 1. — Battle of Fair Oaks. Long- 
before daylight our battery was brought in line 
of battle in front of the house in which General 
Sumner afterwards established his headquarters. 
The First Minnesota supported us. The battle re- 
opened at daylight, with great fury, the enemy 
having been reinforced all night. Artillery was 
not used a great deal in this battle, but the mus- 
ketry fire exceeded any ever heard during the war. 
In spite of the enemy's efforts, he was completely 
repulsed by ten o'clock A. M., retreating to Rich- 
mond. General McClellan appeared in front of 
the line of battle, encoui'aging the troops for the 
comino; struo^Me. 

Monday^ June 2. — Fair Oaks. In line of battle 
since two o'clock A. M. The First Minnesota is 
fortifying our position. Cannonading going on 
near Mechanicsville, in the afternoon. The enemy 
is shelling our line on the railroad. Trains are ar- 
riving at the station with supplies. A heavy 
shower. 

Tuesday^ June 3. — The arm} is fortifying its 
line. 

Wednesday^ June 4. — Heavy rain storm. All 
the bridges over the Chickahominy destroyed. 

Thursday^ June 5. — Brisk fighting near Mechan- 
icsville all day. 

Friday^ June 6. — Fair Oaks. Expiration of our 
first year in the service. Very quiet on the line. 



46 

Saturday^ June 7. — General Burns' brigade 
made a reconnoisance, in consequence of which a 
short fight took place. 

Sunday^ June 8. — The enemy made a severe at- 
tack on our position this morning. Bad conduct of 
Baxter's Zouaves. Generals Sedgwick and Gor- 
man forced them to return to the front. Visit of 
General McClellan, Due de Chartres, the Count of 
Paris, Prince de Joinville, the Spanish Generals 
Prim and Milano del Bosch, Senor Justo San 
Miguel, Colonel Denteure, Colonel Cordazo, Senor 
de Sales, and Senor Perez Caloo, Spanish historian. 
They remained fifteen minutes at the headquarters 
of General Sumner, and made quite a show. 

Monday^ June 9. — Fair Oaks. The rebels open 
on General Gorman's picket line, without inflicting 
any damage. 

Tuesday^ June 10. — Fair Oaks. Heavy rain. 
The enemy opened with artillery on General 
Smith's division, towards evening. 

Wednesday^ June 11. — Fair Oaks. In line of 
battle since two o'clock A. M. An attack expect- 
ed every moment. 

Thursday^ June 12. — Fair Oaks. Our whole 
line is fortifying stronger. Baxter's Zouaves are 
building breastworks of solid timber. Splendid 
moon nights. 

Friday^ June 13. — Fair Oaks. We are in line 
of battle since three o'clock A. M. At five o'clock 
the enemy opened on our line with two Parrott 
guns, two Napoleons, and a howitzer, killing a man 



4T 

of Company I, First Minnesota, and wounding one 
of tlie Thirty-fourth Ne^v York Regiment. Gen- 
eral McClellan inspected the whole line of Sumner's 
corps. Orders were given to strengthen the breast- 
works. Generals Sumner and Sedgwick change 
their headquarters, their former quarters being too 
much under fire. 

Saturday^ June 14. — Fair Oaks. The First 
Minnesota were intrenching all day. Very quiet 
along the line. Great raid of Stuart's cavalry at 
White House Landing. 

Sunday^ June 15. — Fair Oaks. Heavy firing in 
the direction of Fort Darling. 

Monday^ June 16 . — Fair Oaks . General Sickles' 
brisiade had a short eno;ao;ement with the rebels. 
General McClellan passed the line towards evening. 
Heavy firing on both wings of the army. 

Tuesday^ June 17. — Heavy cannonading in the 
direction of Fort DarKng. 

Wednesday^ June 18. — Fair Oaks. General 
Porter's artillery had quite an engagement. In 
the afternoon the whole of the Second corps got 
ready for action. Our battery was harnessed up. 
The infantry of Richardson's division advanced 
under cover of two light batteries. The engage- 
ment was of short duration. Our loss, one hun- 
dred and seventy, killed and wounded, all of Rich- 
ardson's division. General McClellan was present. 
Thursday^ June 19. — Fair Oaks. The enemy 
lost nearly four hundred men in yesterday's engage- 
ment. 



48 

Friday^ June 20. — Fair Oaks. Heavy skirmish- 
ing along the whole line. 

Saturday^ June 21. — Fair Oaks. The whiskey 
rations are countermanded to-day. During the 
night we were called under arms five times, the 
rebels making repeated attacks on the railroad. 

Sunday^ June 22. — Quiet along the line. 

Monday^ June 23. — Fair Oaks. Short engage- 
ment on the railroad. Thunder shower at ni^ht. 

Tuesday^ June 24. — Fair Oaks. The enemy at- 
tacked at two o'clock A. M. 

Wednesday^ June 25. — Heavy engagement near 
Old Church, lasting all day. Heintzleman's corps 
engaged. Our loss, one thousand men. 

Thursday^ June 26. — Fair Oaks. Battle of 
Gaines' Farm. General Fitz John Porter was at- 
tacked on the north side of the Chickahominy this 
morning. The battle was going on till nine o'clock 
P. M., with great fury, when General Porter 
drove the enemy, as could be seen from our posi- 
tion. The peal of artillery was terrible, and the 
sky at night in a constant blaze. Great cheering 
along our line at ten o'clock in the night. All the 
bands playing national airs. 

Friday^ June 27. — Fair Oaks. Battle of Gaines' 
Mills. Stonewall Jackson opened the battle this 
morning with overpowering numbers against Gen- 
eral Porter. We could see from our position how 
the rebels drove Porter's troops from one position 
to the other. They are already fighting near Coal 
Harbor. General McClellan ordered General 



49 

Sumner to hold his position at all hazards. By 
twelve o'clock A. M. we were attacked by the 
rebels with great determination. Four batteries 
opened on our centre and Smith's division, but 
were finally repulsed. General Porter is utterly 
defeated. MeaMier's Irish brigade went to cover 
his retreat. Troops are marching and counter- 
marchino; all night. Great cheering within the 
rebel lines. 

Saturday^ June 28. — Fair Oaks. Our centre 
was attacked again this morning at ten o'clock. 
The enemy was handsomely repulsed, leaving one 
hundred and fifty, killed and wounded, inside our 
lines, — Colonel Lamar, of Georgia, among the lat- 
ter. Our situation is very critical, our right flank 
being turned. General Porter lost nine thousand 
men and twenty-four guns, and is crossing Bottoms' 
Bridge. The rebels occupy White House Landing. 
Towards evening, all the baggage teams were sent 
away, and all surplus ammunition, arms and com- 
missary stores destroyed. The army is preparing 
to retreat. A part of the Second corps had already 
left, when orders arrived that our position must be 
held. A deep gloom is prevailing over the whole 
army. 

Sunday, June 29. — Evacuation of Fair Oaks. 
At three o'clock A.M. orders came for us to leave as 
quick as possible . Smith's division had already fallen 
back two miles, which movement completely ex- 
posed our right flank. The rebels followed at our 
very heels. After marching a mile, General Sum- 

5 



50 

ner hastily formed a line of battle, crossing the rail- 
road. We were not held long in inactivity. The 
rebels, in command of Magruder, soon attacked 
with three brigades of infantry and three batteries. 
This fight bears the name of battle of Peach Orch- 
ard. Oar battery was in close action, supported 
by General French's brigade. Pettit's New York 
eight gun battery, was sent to our assistance to- 
wards three o'clock P. M. By General Sumner's 
skilful mancBuvring we were enabled to fall back 
to Savage Station, leaving the dead and wounded 
behind. At the latter place, half of the Potomac 
army was drawn up in line of battle. The quantity 
of ammunition and stores at that place was immense. 
(Who would not remember the great explosion of 
the railroad train at Bottoms' Bridge.) About five 
o'clock P. M., the battle of Savage Station com- 
menced, and kept on until late at night with great 
desperation. Our battery was within dangerous 
range of the enemy's fire, but not engaged. About 
nine o'clock, we fell back to the White Oak Swamp,, 
arriving there at midnight. 

Monday^ June 30. — Battle of Glendale Farm. 
This battle is known by five different names: 
White Oak Swamp, Glendale Farm, Golding's 
Farm, Turkey Bend, and of Charles City Road. 
At daybreak we formed in line of battle. The 
enemy appeared shortly after. The battle opened 
at different points. (Every one recollects the de- 
lay of our retreat on that day, in covering our ex- 
tensive trains, which occupied seventeen miles 



51 

length of road.) At three o'clock P. M. the rear 
of the ti-^jns passed by, just in time, as we were at- 
tacked immediately after. The battle lasted until 
night. Sergeant Hammond, Seidlinger, and Slo- 
cum were wounded. Battery B, Pennsylvania 
Artillery, was taken by the rebels, right in our 
front. The gunboats participated in the battle. 
We fell back at midnight, leaving our dead and 
wounded on the field. Our battery carried their 
wounded off, but left one caisson behind, a lynch- 
pin giving way. No other could be found during 
the excitement. 

Tuesday^ July 1. — Battle of Malvern Hill. We 
arrived at that place by two o'clock A. M. The 
Potomac army occupied a splendid position. Pre- 
pared for the expected enemy. The rear-guard 
came up at daylight, amidst cheering and the play- 
ing of the bands. Our battery filled ammunition, 
but during the whole day had the good fortune 
to be kept constantly in reserve. Still, we were 
under fire constantly. Captain Coleman, of Rhode 
Island, collected letters and moneys from those who 
wanted to send them to their friends at home, be- 
fore the battle commenced. Private Cooper was 
shot in the leg, by one of our own men ; also a 
horse of Captain Tompkins. About ten o'clock the 
great battle commenced, artillery being used mostly. 
Never was such heavy cannonading heard on this 
continent before that. The gunboats threw shells 
at four miles distance. Weeden's Rhode Island 
battery lost seven men by one of the gunboat shells. 



52 

The battle raged until late in the night, ending 
with the repulse of the rebel array . Every one ex- 
pected an advance on the enemy the coming morn- 
ing ; but in vain. 

Wednesday, July 2. — Malvern Hill. After a 
few hours rest, orders were given at two o'clock A. 
M. to get ready, — to our astonishment, — to fall 
back to Harrison Landing. The rain fell in tor- 
rents. The troops were completely demoralized ; 
every man was going on his own hook. A great 
many threw away their arms without any reason. 
Order was given to abandon at once any piece of artil- 
lery that should get stuck. Soldiers fired their guns 
off in all directions. Not less than forty men were 
killed by such careless practice. Harrison Landing 
is only six miles from Malvern Hill. The whole 
army was crowded in a complete mud-hole. The 
spirit of the men is very low. Our wounded, left 
in Malvern Hill hospital, had to foot their way to 
Harrison Landing in the best manner they could. 
Li spite of the mud, we all enjoyed the first good 
night's rest for some weeks past. 

Thursday, July 3. — Harrison Landing. The 
enemy brought artillery to bear upon our camps 
this morning ; but their guns were taken by the 
Fourteenth Indiana, of General Shields' division. 
At one time, all of our troops were drawn up in 
line of battle. The gunboats fired some shots. 

Friday, July 4. — The army spread out in differ- 
ent camps this morning. The Second corps moved 
at least a mile away from the landing. The day 



53 

was duly celebrated by firing salutes and playing of 
bands. General McClellan reviewed the troops. 

Monday, July 7. — We changed our location this 
morning and established a new camp in the woods. 
The rebel gunboat "Teazer" was captured by the 
Monitor. President Lincoln visited the army. 
The troops passed review before him. Kirby's 
battery fired a salute. Our battery cheered for 
Geneial Sumner, 

Tuesday y Jidy 8. — Intensely hot weather. The 
army is fortifying the outer lines, facing towards 
Malvern Hill. 

Sunday, July 13. — Camp near Harrison Landing. 
Sergeant Budlong was reduced to the ranks for in- 
subordination and insulting language towards Lieu- 
tenant John G. Hassard. 

Monday, July 14. — Near Harrison Landing. 
Secretary Stanton visited the army. 

Tuesday, July 15. — Near Harrison Landing. 
Notice was given by the Sanitary Commission to- 
day to send a number of men to receive the deli- 
cacies destined for us, (Battery A,) which was 
done accordingly. But we never enjoyed the ben- 
efit of it, as everything disappeared in the officers' 
quarters* My comrades in Providence can testify 
to this statement. Heavy shower in the evening. 

Sunday, July 20. — Near Harrison Landing. 
Mounted inspection. 

Tuesday, July 22. — Near Harrison Landing. 
Great review of the Second corps by General Mc- 
Clellan. The troops presented a splendid appear- 

5* 



54 

ance, considering the hardships endured. Our 
battery fired a salute. 

Wednesday^ July 23. — Harrison Landing. We 
changed camp again, inside of the woods. 

Thursday^ July 24. — Harrison Landing. Very 
severe heat. 

Friday^ July 25. — Our battery was taken to the 
James River, to clean the carriages. 

Saturday^ July 26. — Harrison Landing. Heavy 
shower. 

Sunday^ July 27. — Harrison Landing. Mount- 
ed inspection. 

Monday^ July 28. — Harrison Landing. Our 
two howitzers were exchanged for Parrott guns 
from Battery G, New York volunteers, Captain 
Frank. 

Tuesday^ July 29. — Harrison Landing. Jimmy 
Nutts was disabled while dismounting from a lim- 
ber-chest. 

Friday^ August 1. — The rebels opened on us 
with a battery last night, from the south side of the 
James River, killing seven men, and damaging sev- 
eral transports. Our gunboats silenced them soon 
after. 

Monday^ August 4. — Harrison Landing. Re- 
connoisance in force. Sedgwick's and Richardson's 
divisions, besides other bodies of troops, cavalry, 
and horse artillery, under command of General 
Joe Hooker, assembled by four o'clock P. M., and 
left our line of fortifications at sunset. We march- 
ed all night, in the direction of Charles City Court 



55 

House. About one o'clock in the night the column 
halted. 

Tuesday^ August 5. — About four o'clock A. M., 
our column advanced, throwing out skirmishers. 
By five o'clock the gunboats were heard firing in 
the direction of Malvern Hill. At this time we 
were marching in the neighborhood of the White 
Oak Swamp, on the Charles City road, the same 
one we retreated by after the seven days' battles. 
General Hooker's force, amounting to twenty thou- 
sand men, advanced rapidly on to Malvern Hill. 
A small engagement took place between our cav- 
alry and horse artillery, and the enemy. But the 
plan of capturing the rebel force, consisting of but 
twelve hundred men, failed entirely. They escaped, 
leaving only two dead and fifty prisoners in our 
hands. Our loss was four killed and twelve wound- 
ed. Captain Benson, of the regular horse artillery, 
was killed. The Lieutenant Colonel of the Eiofhth 
Illinois cavalry, mortally wounded. The cause of 
the enemy's escape was attributed to Brigadier 
General Frank Patterson, son of General Patter- 
son of Bull Rmi notoriety. General McClellan 
appeared in the afternoon, in high glee. We re- 
mained on the spot all day. In the evening our 
battery was brought in position, facing White Oak 
Swamp. Beautiful moon night. We slept once 
more on the great battle-field. 

Wednesday^ August 6. — On Malvern Hill. Stay- 
ed all day, and expected to stay all night. Tents 
were pitched, with a view to remain longer ; but 



56 

about nine o'clock P. M., picket firing commenced, 
and at midnight, very suddenly, orders were given 
to get ready to march back to Harrison Landing. 
The report circulated that the enemy was advanc- 
ing with superior numbers. About half ways, we 
were met by the greater part of the Army of the 
Potomac, covering our retreat. 

Thursday, August 1. — Arrived at Harrison 
Landing at three and a half o'clock A. M., and 
went back to our old camp. 

Friday^ Aug ast 8. — Harrison Landing. The 
rebels occupy Malvern Hill again. Intensely hot 
weather — 113° in the shade. 

Saturday^ August 9. — Our battery was cleaned 
to-day. Splendid moon night. 

Monday, August 11. — Harrison Landing. Pre- 
parations to evacuate the place. All the baggage 
to be sent away by transports, and rations for six 
days to be kept on hand. 

Tuesday, August 12. — Harrison Landing. Fitz 
John Porter's corps started to-day. 

Wednesday, August 13. — Harrison Landing. 
News of General Pope's battle at Cedar Mountain. 

Friday, August 15. — Harrison Landing. Every- 
thing is packed, and the battery hitched up. 
Troops were marching by all night. Sumner's 
corps to be the rear-guard. 

Saturday, August 16. — Left Harrison Landing 
at three o'clock A. M. Marched on the river road 
and halted at dark, in line of battle. 

Sunday, August 17. — March through Charles 
City Court House. To-day's march was one of 



57 

the most disagreeable ever made, being very hot, 
and so dusty as to make all the trees look white. 
Plenty of dead horses and mules on the road. Ar- 
rived at the Chickahominy river at midnight. All 
the artillery crossed over the large pontoon bridge, 
of ninety-seven boats, during the night. 

Monday^ August 18. — The infantry crossed since 
daybreak, followed by the cavalry and horse artil- 
lery. One gunboat is close to the bridge. The 
rebels showed themselves, without molesting our 
rear-guard. One of our batteries opened on them. 
By ten o'clock we resumed our march. Our corps 
went to camp in the afternoon. 

Tuesday^ August 19. — March through Williams- 
burg. Some dismounted guns, from the battle in 
May, were still standing in the streets. We passed 
Fort Magruder, and went to camp two miles from 
the latter. 

Wednesday^ August 20. — Marched at six o'clock 
A. M., and went to camp a mile from Yorktown. 

Thursday^ August 21. — Tedious march through 
Yorktown, Howard's Mills, over Shipping Point 
to Hampton Roads, where we arrived by five o'clock 
P. M., having marched twenty-two miles to-day. 
The infantry has gone to Newport News. 

Friday^ August 22. — Hampton Roads. Heavy 
rain. 

Saturday^ August 23. — Hampton Roads. Troops 
are continuously shipped. 

Sunday^ August 24. — Hampton Roads. Heavy 
rain. Kirby's and our battery marched to the 



58 

landing. Both batteries were loaded on board the 
ferry-boat Jefferson. Men and horses remained 
ashore for the night. 

Tuesday^ August 26. — Hampton Roads. Men 
and horses were shipped on board the schooners 
Buena Vista and Clara Belle. The schooners were 
taken by tug-boat to Fortress Monroe, waiting for 
further orders. At six o'clock P. M., the steamer 
"Forrest City," having the Second United States 
cavalry on board, attached our schooner in tow, 
and started for Alexandria. In consideration of 
having the troops rested from their tedious march- 
ing across the Peninsula, contrabands were engaged 
by the government to load the vessels. An over- 
seer of such a working party reported to our bat- 
tery. But Lieutenant J. Hassard suggested that 
he would rather have the men of the battery do 
the work, as they had not done anything lately. 
I owe it to the members of Battery A, to mention 
those facts. 

Wednesday^ August 27. — In sight of Aquia 
Creek. Received orders to proceed to Alexandria 
the next morning. 

Thursday^ August 28. — Left Aquia Creek at 
four o'clock A. M. Passed Mount Vernon by 
seven. Fort Washington by eight, and arrived at 
Alexandria by ten o'clock. Both batteries, horses 
and all, were unloaded by five o'clock P. M. 
Marched through Alexandria at once, and went to 
camp outside the city. 

Friday^ August 29. — Alexandria. Our battery, 
accompanied by the Seventh Michigan Regiment, 



59 

and Fifty-nintli New York, left this morning, going 
towards the Chain Bridge, on which an attack was 
anticipated. We passed through Fort Runyon, on 
the road leading to Manassas, turning off to Fort 
Ethan Allen, covering the Chain Bridge. The 
fort was occupied by the One Hundred and Twenty- 
third Pennsylvania, Seventy-first New York, and 
Eleventh New Jersey regiments. We took posi- 
tion one mile in front of it. 

Saturday^ August 30. — Near Fort Ethan Allen. 
Heavy cannonading in the direction of Manassas 
Junction. Two regiments of cavalry are making 
a reconnoissance towards Leesburg. At five 
o'clock P. M. we went to Fort Ethan Allen, cross- 
ed the Potomac over Chain Bridge, and marched 
until eight o'clock. Coming up to General Dana's 
brigade, we halted for the night. 

Sunday^ August 31. — At three o'clock in the 
morning, all the troops of our corps marched 
through Georgetown, crossed the Potomac, over 
the Aqueduct Bridge, and proceeded on the road to 
Fairfax Court House. After sunrise it commenced 
to rain. Paroled prisoners, captured from Stone- 
wall Jackson, passing us on the road, gave us 
no bright picture of the second battle of Bull Run. 
We halted at one o'clock, about four miles from 
the Court House. About seven o'clock P. M., 
order arrived from General Sedgwick, to take up 
our march. After various marching and counter- 
marching, we arrived at the Court House by one 
o'clock in the night. 



60 

Monday^ Se;ptemher 1. — Fairfax Court House. 
At seven o'clock A. M. we proceeded to German- 
town, going in position, facing Chantilly. Troops 
were coming in from Centreville all day. General 
McDowell's corps, who lost nearly all tlieir artillery, 
amongst them. An engagement, lasting from five 
o'clock P. M. till dark, was going on at Chantilly 
amidst a heavy thunder shower. Generals Kearney 
and Stevens were killed. About six o'clock P. M. 
we fell back to Fairfax Court House, camping on 
the same spot we occupied a year ago, while under 
Captain Reynolds, previous to the first battle of 
Bull Run. 

Tuesday^ September 2. — Fairfax Court House. 
During the whole night, troops were marching to 
the defences of Washington. Pope's and McClel- 
lan's armies are rapidly falling back, Sumner's 
corps covering the retreat, as usual. We left the 
Court House at eight o'clock A. M., forming a line 
of battle on Flint Hill. Heavy clouds of dust, 
from the rebel columns, marching towards the Po- 
tomac, could be seen in the distance. Not being 
attacked, our line of march was resumed; but 
shortly afterwards, a rebel battery opened on our 
rear, directly from the town. General Sumner 
ordered one section of our battery, and the First 
Minnesota infantry, to take position, planting the 
two guns of the right section, one on each side of 
the road. Shortly after dark the enemy appeared. 
We could hear the unlimbering of the artillery. 
At that moment we opened lively with shell and 



61 

canister, while Colonel Sully threw his regiment 
across the road, and kept up a brisk musketry fire 
on the advancing cavalry of the' enemy. Being 
unable to use their artillery, the rebels retreated 
instantly. Seven men of the First Minnesota were 
killed and wounded. One of our limber-chests was 
upset, the pole being broken by the horses, injuring 
John Setton, driver, and one horse. Colonel Sully, 
anxious to fall back, advised Captain Tompkins 
not to lose any time, and if needs be, to abandon 
the gun. Captain Tompkins replied, he would 
carry the gun along or share the fate of it. We 
all went to work, tying the two guns and limbers 
together with ropes and straps. In the vicinity of 
Vienna, a body of cavalry made a charge on our 
column, firing at us with pistols and carbines. The 
First Maryland Cavalry, and Company I, First 
Minnesota, left us without offering any resistance 
to them. The greatest excitement prevailed for 
some time. General Sumner gave credit to our 
battery for not having left the guns. Some said 
the charge was made by a party of our own cavalry 
by mistake ; but the dead and wounded, found in 
rebel uniform, contradicted that. After a weary 
march, we arrived near Fort Ethan Allen, at three 
o'clock A. M. 

Wednesday^ September 3. — Sumner's corps 
marched <'icross the Chain Bridge to Tenallytown, 
and went to camp. 

Thursday^ September 4. — Tenallytown, Mary- 
land. Heavy cannonade on the upper Potomac. 



62 

Friday^ September 5. — Tenallytown. The rebel 
army lias crossed the Potomac. We left Tenally- 
town this morning. Marched to Rockville, twelve 
miles from Washington, and went to camp three 
miles from that place. New clothes were issued 
to-night. 

Saturday^ September 6. — Near Rockville. This 
morning the cavalry and our battery advanced sev- 
eral miles, going in position on a hill. Thirty cav- 
alrymen were captured last night. Scouts coming 
in the afternoon informed of the enemy's presence, 
only four miles from us. We fell back until, to our 
surprise, we found the whole of the Second corps 
in line of battle. Our battery took position imme- 
diately. The whole road was covered by our artil- 
lery. 

Sunday^ September 7. — Near Rockville. The 
rebel army occupies Frederick City. Our cavalry 
dashed into Poolesville. We marched only six 
miles to-day. 

Tuesday^ September 9. — We started by ten 
o'clock, A. M., and marched seven miles. Our 
cavalry had a fight at Barnesville. 

Wednesday^ September 10. — March to Clarks- 
burg. Our advance is getting ver} slow. 

Thursday, September 11. — March to Hyattstown, 
eight miles from Frederick. We formed in line of 
battle on a hill in front of the town. Our skir- 
mishers advanced, but could not find the enemy. 

Friday, September 12.-T-Left Hyattstown at 
nine o'clock A. M., marched only five miles and 



68 

went to camp. Eight thousand men, cavalry and 
liorsc artllleiy, passed by this afternoon. Signal 
lights can be seen on Sugar Loaf Mountain. 

Saturday^ September 13. — Early in the morning, 
we marched through Urbana. General McClellan 
passed by at ten o'clock, crossing the Monocacy 
river. Triumphant entrance into Frederick City. 
The houses and inhabitants of the city presented a 
good appearance. Flags were floating all over. 
General McClellan was surrounded by all of his 
corps and division commanders, on the roadside. 
The troops cheered while marching by. Our cav- 
alry and horse artillery drove the rebel rear-guard 
out of the city, and are chasing them up the South 
Mountain Pass, the smoke of the artillery is plainly 
to be seen. The engine house in Frederick City is 
full of prisoners. 

Sunday^ September 14. — Battle of South Moun- 
tain. General Burnside, marching all of last night, 
attacked the enemy, near Berkley, early this morn- 
ing. Our corps left Frederick by eight o'clock A. 
M., marching towards the mountain. Considerable 
time was lost by getting on the wrong road. We 
arrived on the top of the first range of mountains 
by three o'clock P. M., and witnessed one of the 
grandest scenes ever seen during the war, — the 
contest for the possession of South Mountain Pass. 
At five o'clock P, M. the pass was forced on the 
point of the bayonet, by the troops under General 
Reno, who fell during the charge. We arrived at 
Berkley by ten o'clock at night. 



64 

Monday^ Septemher 15. — March through South 
Mountain Pas&. The battle-field gives evidence of 
the desperate fighting of yesterday. Our advance 
guard is pressing the rear of the enemy through 
Boonesboro, where v/e passed through at eleven 
o'clock A. M. The church and barns are full of 
wounded and rebel prisoners. The inhabitants- 
seem to be elated at our entrance. After going 
two miles further, we halted four hours. Skirmish- 
ing was going on near Kettysville. After dark we 
marched through the town. 

Tuesday^ Septemher \Q, — Battle of Antietam. The 
battle commenced about eight o'clock, opening with 
heavy cannonading. Our division changed position 
during the afternoon, going from the centre to the 
right, passing through Kettysville, and crossed An- 
tietam Creek before dark. We were not engaged 
to-day. 

Wednesday^ Septemher 17. — Battle of Antietam 
and Sharpsburg. Since four o'clock A. M., the- 
battle is raging furiously. Joe Hooker gained 
some ground early in the morning, but was wounded 
soon after the beginning. Our battery was ordered 
to take position close to Hooker's line. The battle- 
field wore a terrific aspect, at our arrival. Before 
reaching the designated position, we had to pass 
through the enemy's artillery fire for nearly a mile. 
Two men of our battery, Fred. Phillips and Patrick 
Larkins, were wounded, before getting in position. 
Marching through a cornfield, we saw one of our 
batteries, entirely demolished, and hundreds of 



65 

dead and wounded lying around. Crossing the 
fields, Ave were heartily cheered by our famous old 
Sedcrwick's division, which was advancino; on the 
enemy like veterans. We took our position near 
a cemetery and in front of a burning farm-house, a 
place already fought for all the morning, as could 
be seen by the dead and wounded strewn around. 
We relieved a battery of Hooker's command, and 
were supported by but two companies of the Twenty- 
eighth Pennsylvania infantry, commanded by a 
sergeant. Here we fought, repeatedly against ar- 
tillery and infantry, for four hours and a half. At 
one time our situation was very critical. The en- 
em v, nfter drivino; Gorman's brio;ade, on our right, 
came charging from that direction. We used double 
charges of canister. There was a time when half 
of the battery was compelled to cease firing. The 
order, " limber to the rear," was given ; but, for- 
tunately, not heard, as it would have resulted in the 
certain capture of the battery. At that critical 
turn. Captain Tompkins called on our infantry sup- 
port to advance and do their duty, which they did, 
enabling us to load again. The enemy, after fail- 
ing to take the battery, retreated slowly, leaving 
his battle-flag behind, which, by right, should have 
been given to the battery, as it fell before the in- 
fantry support advanced. Our ammunition giving 
away. Captain Tompkins sent word to be relieved.. 
John Leech deserves due mentioning hero, for car- 
rying notice through the hottest fire, regardless of 
his personal safety, to bring rescue to his comrades. 

6* 



6Q 

Shortly afterwards, Battery G, Rhode Island, came 
to relieve us. We left the field under a heavy fire 
of the enemy's batteries, leaving our dead and 
wounded behind. Battery G fired only a few 
rounds, and left the position we held for four hours 
and a half. The ground was taken by the enemy. 
We returned to our former rendezvous, near HoflP- 
man's farm, and received a written compliment 
from General Sumner for our good behavior. Our 
loss was : Killed — Sergeant Reed, John Lawrence, 
Joe Bosworth, Stone. Wounded — Budlong, John 
Church, Robert Raynor, F. C. Preston, Sherman 
Larkin, Zimmerli, Corporal Childs, Fred. Phillips, 
Francis Phillips, Carglll, Abner Wilder, and Theo- 
dore Reichardt. We lost nine horses. Durino; the 
afternoon, we loaded ammunition. The battle 
raged till night set in, principally neai' Sharpsburg. 
Colonel Miles surrendered Harper's Ferry, with 
eleven thousand five hundred men, to Stonewall 
Jackson. 

Thursday^ September 18. — Antietam. Both 
armies are skirmishing briskly since daylight. Our 
battery left Hoffman's farm in the morning, and 
went a little nearer to the battle-field. Lieutenant 
Jeffrey Hassard started, with eight selected men, 
to obtain the bodies of our dead, but was not 
able to accomplish it, the enemy's sharpshooters 
firing on our approach. During the afternoon a 
truce was concluded between the two annies, for 
the purpose of burying the fallen. The I'emains of 
Sergeant Reed, John Lawrence, Joe Bosworth and 



67 

Ed. Stone, were recovered in a mutilated state, 
and interred in the evening in the presence of the 
battery. 

Friday^ Septemher 19. — The enemy has fallen 
back to the Potomac. Thousands of dead are cov- 
ering the field yet. We remained quiet all day. 

Saturday^ Sej^tmiber 20. — Antietam. We ex- 
changed three guns with Petit's New York battery. 
Our battery marched back to Boonsboro, close to 
McClellan's headquarters, in tlie afternoon. Hav- 
ing settled down for the night, we were suddenly 
aroused and ordered to march immediately to 
Sharpsbui'g. An engagement was going on at 
Shepardstown, close to the Potomac, ending to our 
disadvantage. We passed through Sharpsbarg at 
two o'clock in the night, and went into park out- 
side af the town. 

Sunday, Septemher 21. — Sharpsburg, McClellan's 
headquarters. Cannonading still sounding from 
the Potomac. There is scarcely a house in Sharps- 
burg, which shows no marks of our artillery fire. 
The inhabitants admit that General Burnside gave 
them a right smart shelling. 

Monday, Septemher 22. — Sharpsburg, headquar- 
ters of McClellan. Sumner's corps marched to 
Harper's Ferry to-day ; but we remained, receiving 
a new batterv of three -incli rifle (mws. 

Tuesday, Septemher 23. — Sharpsburg. We left 
the place at two o'clock P. M. Crossed the Antie- 
tam, and marched to the foot of Maryland Heights, 
going to camp for the night. 



68 

Wednesday^ September 24. — We arrived at Har- 
per's Ferry at ten o'clock A. M., and went to camp 
on Bolivar Heights. 

Sunday^ September 28. — Bolivar. Mounted in- 
spection. 

Wednesday^ October 1. — President Lincoln visit- 
ed the Army of the Potomac. Our battery fired a 
salute of twenty-one guns. 

Friday^ October 3. — Bolivar. Mounted inspec- 
tion. 

Sunday^ October 5. — Bolivar. Mounted inspec- 
tion. The Seventh Regiment, Rhode Island in- 
fantry, arrived at Sandy Hook, Maryland. 

Thursday^ October 9. — Bolivar. We were paid 
off for five months service. 

Thursday^ October 16. — Bolivar. Reconnoisance 
in force. Ten thousand men started early in the 
morning under command of General Hancock. 
The enemy was found near Cliarlestown, opening 
on us with artillery. Battery A, Fourth Regular 
Artillery, went into action. Our battery supported 
the Fourth regulars, and the enemy's battery left 
soon. Battery A, Fourth regulars, had a caisson 
blown up, one man killed and four wounded. We 
occupied Charlestown, going in position outside of 
the town, pointing to Berryville and Smithfield. 
Heavy rain in the evening. The cars were running 
between Harper's Ferry and Charlestown all night, 
carrying off grain from the latter place to Harper's 
Ferry. The troops were in line of battle during the 
night. 



69 

Friday^ October 17. — Charlestown, Virginia, 
In position. We left Charlestown at two o'clock 
P. M. Marched back to Halltown. At that place 
General Hancock formed a line of battle, an attack 
of the rebels being anticipated. All the artillery 
went in position on high ground, while the infantry 
formed below. We remained on the hill all night. 
It was very cold during the night. 

Saturday^ October 18. — We returned to Bolivar 
Heights early in the morning, and went back to 
camp. 

Tuesday^ October 21. — Battery drill in the morn- 
ing. 

Sunday^ Octrber 26. — Captain Tompkins went 
off on a furlough. 

Monday^ October 27 — Bolivar. General Burn- 
side has crossed the Potomac at Berlin. 

Wednesday, October 29. — Bolivar. We are 
under marching orders. 

Thursday, October 30. — Bolivar. Troops are 
crossing the Shenandoah river all day. Our battery 
left Bolivar at two o'clock P. M. Marched through 
Harper's Ferry and crossed the Shenandoah by way 
of pontoons. Advanced on the Leesburg turnpike 
six miles. After sunset we went to camp for the 
night. 

Friday, October- 31. — Loudon Valley. We 
were mustered in for two months pay ; after that, 
changed camp, and remained quiet for the rest of 
the day. Troops are passing by all day. 

Saturday, November 1. — Loudon Valley. We 
commenced marching at ten o'clock in the direction 



70 

of Snicker's Gap, passed Snickersville, and formed 
in line of battle in the evening, near Wood Grove. 
Marched ten miles to-day. A number of pigs were 
killed during the night. 

Sunday^ November'' 2. — Wood Grove. Com- 
menced marching at eight o'clock A. M. A fight 
was in progress between Burnside's corps and the 
rebels. We could see the firing of guns. Camped 
at seven o'clock P. M. Cold and rainy w^eather. 

Monday, November 8. — Marched at ten o'clock 
A. M., towards Union and Upperville. Firing 
was heard in the afternoon. Shortly afterwards 
we could see Pleasanton's cavalry running close 
after the enemy's. We went to camp. Splendid 
moon night. Great slaughter amongst pigs, sheep, 
and chickens. 

Tuesday, November 4. — Loudon Valley, Virginia. 
We marched through Upperville about 1 o'clock 
P. M. General Burnside and staff passed by. At 
three o'clock we came through Paris, at the foot of 
Asliby Gap. Occupied the heights of Ashby Gap. 
and went in position. A most splendid view pre- 
sented itself to our eyes. The whole Shenandoah 
Valley, Winchester, Berryville, Bunker Hill, and 
other places could distinctly be seen. The enemy's 
camp fires were visible on the other side of the 
Shenandoah river. The weather is very cold. 

Wednesday, November 5. — Ashby Gap. Re- 
mained in position all day. Some of us had quite 
a time, killing a young bull. A fearful cold night. 
Some snow fell. 



71 

Thursday^ Novemher 6. — We left Asliby Gap at 
eight o'clock A. M. Marched seven miles, and 
went to camp near Cubb run. 

Friday^ Novemher 7. — We remained in camp to- 
day. The horses are in a bad condition, and most of 
the men without shoes. Snow fell three inches 
deep. 

Saturday^ November 8. — Marched in the morning 
with only four horses to a gun. Passed through 
Salem and Rectortown. Generals McClellan, 
Burnside, and Sumner, rode past the line. We 
went to camp at four o'clock P. M. 

Sunday^ Novemher 9. — Arrived at Warrenton at 
twelve o'clock M., and went to camp outside of the 
town. 

Monday^ Novemher 10. — Warrenton. To the 
astonishment of the army, it was announced to-day 
that General McClellan was to be removed from 
the Army of the Potomac, and the command trans- 
ferred to General Burnside. The troops turned 
out on parade along the road. General McClellan 
and staff passed by. He seemed to be greatly af- 
iected. The air rang Avith the cheers of the troops 
for their old commander. 

Tuesday^ Novemher 11. — Warrenton. The army 
is poorly supplied with provisions at present. 

Wednesday^ Novemher 12. — Warrenton. We 
received the first mail since the twenty-first of 
October. 

Saturday^ Novemher 15. — Left Warrenton this 
morning. Marched nine miles and went to camp. 



72 

Smiday^ November 16, — Started at eight o'clock 
A. M. Marched fifteen miles and went to camp. 

Monday^ November 17. — Left at eight o'clock A. 
M. for Falmouth. Pettit's Battery went in posi- 
tion on a hill opposite Fredericksburg, and had 
quite an action with a rebel battery. Our battery 
advanced to support, but did not fire. At five 
o'clock P. M. we retired and went to camp.- 

Tuesday^ November 18.— Camp near Falmouth, 
The Army of the Potomac is divided in three grand 
divisions. Sumner commands the right, Franklin 
the left, Joe Hooker the centre, and Sigel the 
reserve, 

Thursday^ November 20. — We moved our camp 
closer to Falmouth. It rained all day. 

Wednesday, November 26. — Near Falmouth. 
Lieutenant Henry Newton left the battery and ser- 
vice to-day. 

Thursday^ November 27. — Thanksgiving day, 
but a poor one for us. The army lives on hard 
bread, pork and coffee. 

Sunday, November 30. — The railroad to Aquia 
Creek is in operation now. 

Monday, December 1. — The men of our battery 
cleaned up the camp of the First Minnesota regi- 
ment. A guard was kept on the ground all night. 

Tuesday, December 2. — Near Falmouth. The 
battery moved on the new ground. 

Wednesday, December 3. — A stable for the offi- 
cers' horses in the course of building. 

Monday, December 8. — Commenced to build a 
stable for the batterv horses. 



73 

Wednesday^ December 10. — New clothes were 
given out to-day. Everything ready for an ad- 
vance, 

Thursday^ December 11. — Bombardment of 
Fredericksburg. Last night a large part of the 
artillery was brought in position, close to the river, 
and before daybreak, about one hundred and thirty 
guns Avere throwing shell and shot in the city, with- 

, out eliciting any reply, except from rebel sharp- 
* shooters in the cellars on the river line, compelling 
the engineers to give up the attempt of laying pon- 
toons across the river. Fires broke out in several 
places during the day. Towards evening, two 
comj^anies, one of the Seventy-first New York, 
(Tammany,) and one of the Seventh Michigan, 
volunteered to cross the Rappahannock on scows, 
charged on the sharpshooters, and took fifty prison- 
ers, losing fifteen killed. The pontoon bridge was 
completed shortly after, and three thousand men 
entered the city before night. We remained this 
side of the Rappahannock. Our battery was close 
to the river all day, but did not fire. 

Friday^ December 12. — Troops are crossing over 
on the pontoons to Fredericksburg. Our battery 
moved towards the river about eight o'clock A. M. 
Near the bridge we were received by a tremendous 
fire from the enemy's batteries on St. Mary's 

^Heights, but, fortunately, sustained no loss. Not 
so, Frank's New York battery, they having one 
man killed and several wounded. One shot took 
effect in stopping one of their pieces. Without de- 

7 



74 

lay we crossed the Rappahannock. Artillery, cav- 
alry and mfantry went over all the morning. A 
new regiment crossed the bridge at four o'clock P. 
M., their band playing the tune of " Bully for you." 
All of a sudden the enemy's batteries opened on 
the regiment, which run back in bad order, com- 
mitting the mistake of running right in the enemy's 
fire. The troops are committing depredations all 
over the town. The stores were completely ran- 
sacked. Most every man had a lot of tobacco. In 
the evening, the battery marched around the town, 
but returned again to our former place, close to the 
river. The scenes in the streets were really pic- 
turesque. Soldiers could be seen, sitting on splen- 
did furniture, mixing dough for flap-jacks. Most 
of our battery were cooking all night. 

Saturday, December 13. — The battle of Fred- 
ericksburg. Firing commenced about eleven 
o'clock in the morning. Captain Tompkins left the 
battery to-day, being promoted to Major. Making 
his farewell speech to us, he introduced our new 
commander, Captain Arnold, who addressed the 
company, also, saying, he understood we were a 
fififhting: set, and he would stick to us to the last. 
Shortly after that the command, "forward," was 
given, and we went to the outskirts of the town. 
Shell and shot were ploughing through the streets 
already. Our battery went in action by sections, 
posted at different roads leading to St. Mary's 
Heights. The battery kept up a constant fire all 
the afternoon. Some of the nine months regiments 



75 

behaved very badly, leaving the field ingloriously, 
without orders. Battery B, Rhode Island, Frank's 
New York battery, and Kirby's regular artillery, 
smooth-bore guns, were ordered out to encourage 
the infantry, while Humphrey's division of regular 
infantry, were in readiness as a reserve. General 
Couch wanted our battery to advance to the ex- 
treme front ; but, thanks to Colonel Morgan, chief- 
of-artillery, who objected to that, it was not done. 
Lieutenant Jacob Lamb made the most splendid 
shots during the day. Owing to our being covered 
by houses, our loss was small. Henry Hicks was 
shot through both heels by a musket ball, making 
the amputation of both of his legs necessary. Cap- 
tain Arnold's horse was shot. After the action was 
over, we occupied the surrounding houses, which 
were found well stocked with all sort of provisions. 
Cooking and eating was kept up all night. The 
caissons recrossed the river durino; the nio;ht, for a 
new supply of ammunition. The night was very" 
cold, and the groans of the wounded on the field of 
battle, sounded terrible. 

Sunday^ December 14. — Fredericksburg. The 
rebel batteries opened early, firing thirty-two pound 
shells. One shell took effect in the centre section, 
tearing off the head of Sergeant Thompson's horse. 
splintering the limber-chest, fracturing a heel of 
Charles Spencer, and wounding an infantry man. 
Our pieces were instantly pulled out of sight. Our 
infmtry fortified during the night past. We expect- 
ed another assault to be made to-day ; but General 



T6 

Sumner's advice, in the council of war, was against 
it. The rebel sharpshooters kept up an incessant 
fire all day, killing quite a number of our men that 
were exposing themselves. The day was well- 
spent by the battery in cooking and baking, Jim 
Harrison and Stacy, acting as cooks and bottle- 
washers. 

Monday^ December 15. — Fredericksburg. The 
enemy's artillery and sharpshooters were firing all 
day. Our guns were kept out of sight during the 
afternoon. Generals Howard, Couch and Sully, 
inspected our lines, and said they would send a 
brigade of infantry to fortif}^ our position. The 
men of our battery worked all day, throwing up 
breastworks behind a fence. Once in a while the 
rebel batteries threw a shell at us. The weather has 
been beautiful since we occupied the city. While we 
were sleeping by our guns, orders came at eleven 
o'clock in the night, to pack up quietly and get 
away as quick as possible, which was executed 
without the least noise, every man being anxious 
to move away, but not without being loaded with 
all sorts of provisions. We recrossed the Rap- 
pahannock at twelve o'clock in the night. The 
whole army followed during the night under cover 
of the batteries. We lay down to rest immediately 
after arriving on the other side. One gun of the 
right section was dismounted, one limber and sev- 
eral wheels disabled. 

Tuesday^ December 16. — The rain commenced 
pouring down in streams since four o'clock in the 



77 

morning. A deep gloom spread all over the army 
in consequence of our unsuccessful movement. At 
six o'clock A. M., our battery returned to the old 
camp on the hill, which was no small undertaking, 
the mud being a foot deep. At dark. Captain 
Arnold, with a squad of men, went to the river to 
obtain the trail of the dismounted gun. 

Wednesday^ Becemher 17. — Camp near Falmouth. 
General Sigel's reserve corps is camping around 
Falmouth. Our camp has its usual appearance. 
It is cold, and snowing. 

Saturday^ December 20. — The troops are build- 
ing winter-quarters. 

Wednesday^ Becemher 24. — Great inspection in 
camp, by Generals Sumner, Howard, and Sully, 
and their staffs. They all expressed their satisfac- 
tion with the appearance of the battery. This was 
the last visit of the venerable hero. General Sum- 
ner, to our battery. 

Friday^ Becemher 26. — The pontoons were sent 
to Belle Plains. 

Wednesday^ Becemher 31. — Quiet in camp. 



7* 



18 6 3. 

Thursday^ January 1. — Camp near Falmoutli. 
The arpiy is very poorly provisioned. 

Monday^ January 5.~A new stable for the bat- 
tery horses commenced, below the ravine. 

Tuesday^ January 6. — The news of the battle of 
Murfreesboro arrived. 

Thursday^ January 15. — Our camp was partly 
burned down to-day, through a fire in the camp of 
the Thirty-fourth Regiment New York volunteers, 

'Friday^ January 16. — A severe storm. Rations 
are to be cooked for three days. We are kept in 
uneasiness all the time, about moving, 

Saturday^ January 17. — Great review of the 
army by General Burnside. 

Sunday^ January 18.: — The coldest day we have 
liad this winter. 

Tuesday^ January 20. — The Army of the Poto« 
mac commenced another move to-day. Troops are 
marching by, towards United States Ford. The 
weather is of the poorest kind, raining and snovf ing. 

Wednesday^ January 21. — Our corps is retained 
in camp yet. Quite a miracle. 

Thursday^ January 22. — A heavy storm. 

Friday y Jcmuary 23. — Franklin's corps is march- 
ing back to the winter-quarters. The great forward 
movement is given up. The troops are returning 
in disgust. Some of the artillery left their guns- 



79 

sticking in the mnd. Bodies of soldiers were found 
dead in the woods, having perished from exposure. 

Saturday^ January 24. — Stragglers are coming 
in yet. 

Monday^ January 26. — We were paid off for 
two months. 

Tuesday^ January 27. — Heavy rain. 

Wednesday^ January 28. — Severe snow-storm. 

Thursday^ January 29. — Generals Burnsidey 
Sumner and Franklin left the army to-day. Joe 
Hooker is in command now. 

Sunday^ February 1. — Mountetl and foot inspec- 
tion. 

Monday^ February 2.— Mounted inspection. 

Tuesday^ February 3. — Captain Arnold was 
thrown from his horse, and left on furlough. 

Wednesday^ February 4. — The battery com- 
mences to build chimneys and fire-places. 

Thursday^ February 5. — Received the first soft 
bread since we left Harper's Ferry. 

Sunday y February 22. — Heavy snow-storm. 
Washington's birth-day. Our battery fired thirty- 
four guns. Ours and the rebel batteries fired in 
honor of the day. 

Saturday y February 28. — Robert Ray nor, wound- 
ed at the battle of AntJetam, returned from the Bal- 
timore hospital. 

TJiursday^ March 5. — General Joe Hooker is 
reviewing the Army of the Potomac. 

Friday^ March 6. — The first battery drill this 
year. 



80 

Tuesday^ March 10. — Snow to-day. 

Thursday^ 3farch 12. — A part of the army was 
kept under arms all night, the enemy being report- 
ed about to make a demonstration in our rear. 

Friday, 3Iarch 13. — The cavalry is reconnoiter- 
ing to-day. 

Tuesday, March 17. — St. Patrick's day. Great 
horse-race at the headquarters of Generals Meagher 
and Sickles. During the afternoon, cannonading 
was heard in the direction of Stafford Court House. 
The long-roll sounded in all the camps, but tlie 
troops were not to be surprised. The demonstra- 
tion did not amount to much. 

Wednesday, March 18. — The enemy attacked 
our lines at Eappahannock Station yesterday. 

Friday, March 20. — Snow-storm. 

Saturday, March 21. — Snow-storm. 

Monday, 3Iarch 23.— The death of General 
Sumner was read to the troops to-day. 

Wednesday, March 25. — The cavalry has crossed 
the Rappahannock. 

Monday, 3Iarch 30. — Inspection of our baggage. 
Three spare wheels were taken from the battery 
by general order. 

Tuesday, 3Iarch 31. — Snow-storm. 

Wednesday, April 1. — At two o'clock in the morn- 
ing we were aroused by Colonel Morgan, chief-of- 
artillery. Order was given to hitch up, and be 
ready to move, on account of the rebel cavalry 
crossing United States ford. After sunrise the 
horses were unhitched again and eveiything was 
quiet. 



81 

Friday^ April 3. — Review of the Second division 
by General Gibbons, near Falmouth. 

Sunday^ April 5. — Snow-storm. 

Wednesday^ April 8. — President Lincoln and 
family at Joe Hooker's headquarters. 

Friday^ April 10. — Muster, in the Army of the 
Potomac. 

Saturday^ April 11. — Battery drill in the morn- 
ing. 

Tuesday^ April 14. — The army under marching 
orders. Eight days' rations to be kept on hand. 

Saturday^ April 18. — Grain is already kept on 
caissons and limbers, and one bag on top of the 
gun. 

Monday^ April 20. — Secretary Stanton at the 
headquarters. 

Wednesday^ April 22. — Our battery was paid off 
for four months service by Major King. 

Thursday J Ap)ril 23. — A heavy rain. 

Monday^ Aptril 27. — Received orders at eight 
o'clock P. M., to march in the morning. 

Tuesday^ April 28. — Reveille at two o'clock in 
the morning. Left camp at six o'clock A. M. We 
were attached to the Third division under General 
French. The Second remained behind. We 
marched six miles towards the Ra})pahannock ; 
halted at mid-day, and camped in the woods. The 
pontoon train passed by in the evening. 

Wednesday^ April 29. Marched again at two 
o'clock P. M., and went to camp at dark three 
miles from the river. Rainv weather. 



82 

Thursday^ April 30. — Our cavalry has crossed 
tlie Rappahannock without opposition. The pon- 
toons were laid. Before crossing an address of 
General Hooker was read in line, to the eflPect that 
the Twelfth and Fifth corps had turned the en- 
emy's left flank, by crossing the Rapidan at Ger- 
mania Ford, compelling the enemy to fight us on 
our own ground. Our battery crossed at five 
o'clock P. M. After marching four miles further 
towards Chancellorsville, one hundred and sixty 
prisoners passed by. The troops were highly 
elated at crossing the Rappahannock so easy, as the 
shore was strongly fortified, and by nature well- 
adapted for defence. While marching to Chancel- 
lorsville in the moonlight, Joe Hooker and staff 
passed by, and the rumor circulated, all at once, 
that Fredericksburg was taken, and the rebel army 
in full retreat towards Gordonsville. 

Friday^ May 1. — The battle opened about ten 
o'clock A. M., near the Chancellorsville and Fred- 
ericksburg Plank-road. The First and Second divi- 
sions of the Second corps, commanded by General 
Couch, formed at two o'clock P. M. Our battery 
advanced about a mile. Going down a hill we 
were suddenly received by one of the enemy's bat- 
teries, whereupon we countermarched to the top of 
the hill, going in position immediately. General 
Sykes' division of regulars fought bravely in front 
of us, till they had to fall .back on our battery, we 
kept up firing for some time, until General Han- 
cock arrived, informing General Couch that his 



83 

position was completely outflanked, and that he 
had better withdraw. The verj^ minute our pieces 
were reversed, the command, "fix bayonets," 
could i)lainly be heard from the rebel line of infan- 
try in the woods. We left at double quick. Our 
whole line fell back to the tavern. At that mo- 
ment, the Third corps, under command of General 
Daniel Sickles, advanced in line of battle, doing 
good service. Our battery retired to our former 
place of rendezvous. The fight continued until 
seven o'clock P. M. Splendid moonlight night. 

Saturday^ May 2. — Battle of Chancellorsville. 
At four o'clock P. M., the battle reopened with 
great fury. General Stonewall Jackson, massing 
his forces against our right, completely surprised 
the Eleventh corps, driving them in great confu- 
sion. The roaring of artillery, and the musketry 
fire, were really terrific. After sunset, the fire 
slackened a little ; but af moonrise, raged again in 
all its fury, till late in the night. Our artillery 
suffered heavily during to-day's battle. Some of 
it was captured by the rebels. A new line of bat- 
tle was formed at eleven o'clock In the night. The 
situation of our battery was anything but pleasant. 
Having long range guns, and our position being 
close to the woods, nothing could be used, with 
any effect, but canister. Our line of battle is get 
ting shorter. 

Sunday^ May 3. — Battle of Chancellorsville. 
Our battery was ordered to fall back to the Rappa- 
hannock at daylight. Marching back, the First 
corps, commanded by General Reynolds, passed us, 



84 

going to the front. Arriving at the brick house, 
near the river, we found some batteries posted there 
ah'eady, — Kirby's amongst them. Our Hne of bat- 
tle fell back to the rifle-pits we occupied last night. 
The enemy holds the plank-road and tavern. The 
battle is raging again since six o'clock A. M. 
About ten o'clock A. M., Lieutenant Kirby ordered 
his and our battery to the front again, on his own 
responsibility. We marched back, but very unwill- 
ingly. On the way, a division of the Third corps met 
us, marching back to the river, with a rebel colonel 
and half of his regiment, as prisoners, and carrying 
four rebel battle-flags as trophies. Arriving at the 
front, to our pleasant surprise, we found out that our 
battery was not wanted at all. Colonel Morgan ap- 
peared to be very angry, as there was no use of any 
rifled batteries. Kirby's battery went in action. 
Lieutenant Kirby was mortally wounded shortly 
after arriving in the line of battle. We returned 
to the brick house, near the river, sending back 
our horses and limbers to carry the guns of the 
Fifth Maine Battery off the battle-field. This bat- 
tery sustained a heavy loss. Their guns were 
saved by Meagher's Irish brigade. We heard to- 
day that General Sedgwick, commanding the Sixth 
corps, and the Second division of the Second, car- 
ried St. Mary's Heights by storm, but had to give 
them up again the next day. Sedgwick is fighting 
hard near Banks' Ford, being pressed towards the 
Rappahannock. Some of our cavalry and horse 
artillery have gone to form a junction with him. 



85 

Fighting was kept up most of th-e night. Our bat- 
tery enjoyed a good night's rest. The horses were 
unharnessed. 

3fo?idat/, 3Iay 4. — General Sedgwick's corps is 
fighting ever since daybreak. Little fighting was 
done near Chancellorsville. The battle is evident- 
ly over. We all know that our army, though su- 
perior in numbers, has been defeated by the rebels. 
We remained all day and night at the brick-liouse, 
close to the river. 

Tuesday^ May 5. — Firing is heaixl on our left 
since daybreak. Orders came for ours, Pettit's, 
and Thomas' New York batteries, to recross the 
Rappahannock forthwith. We crossed at United 
States Ford, going in |X)sition on the surrounding 
heights, Avhich enfilade the other side. A heavy 
shower in the evenings 

Wednesday^ May 6. — Our whole force has re- 
treated across the river during the niMit. The 
rear guard crossed at eight o'clock this morning. 
Eight batteries are in position to cover the retreat. 
The engineers commenced to break off the pon- 
toons. Some of the rebel skirmishers appeared, 
but retreated as soon as our batteries opened on 
them. Captain Thomas' battery had quite an ac- 
tion with a rebel battery, losing two men killed 
and several wounded. The action was kept up 
until a rebel caisson was blown up, whereon filing 
ceased. The pontoon train got in motion at three 
o'clock P. M., and the artillery at four o'clock. 
The roads were in a horrible condition. It rained 



86 

at intervals during the day. In the evening a 
heavy rain set in, making it disagreeable beyond 
description. Our battery was stuck in the woods 
several times, till at last we were compelled to stop 
for the night. Quite a number of our battery's 
men travelled on their own hook, that night. Dis- 
cipline was getting very loose. This night will 
never be forgotten by any man in the battery. 

Thursday^ May 7. — The weather cleared off in 
the morning. We resumed our march at eight 
o'clock, arriving in camp at ten. 

Friday^ May 8. — Camp near Falmouth. Gen- 
eral Sedwick's corps came in from Banks' Ford. 
This corps suffered a heavy loss. At five o'clock 
P. M. our battery was ordered to report near the 
Lacy House. We arrived there at dark, going in 
camp close to the Thirty-fourth New York regi- 
ment. 

Saturday, May 9. — Opposite Fredericksburg. 
This morning we placed our guns in position be- 
hind breastworks, occupied by a German battery 
from New York, before we came. We are close 
to the railroad bridge. The Second division is 
camping around us again. Stonewall Jackson, hav- 
ing accidentally been wounded by some of his own 
men, died to-day. The Thirty-fourth New York 
regiment changed camp this afternoon. 

Sunday, May 10. — The weather is pleasant. 
The ringing of bells, and the singing in the churches 
of Fredericksburg, can be heard plainly on this 
side of the river. People are walking in the streets 



87 

just as usual. We are exchanging words with the 
rebel videttes across the river. 

Monday, May 11. — Opposite Fredericksburg. 
Bands are playing in the rebel camps. Some of 
their regiments are in parade line, — having muster 
by all appearances. 

Thursday, May 14. — Corporals Stephen M. 
Greene and William Rider left on ten days fur- 
lougli. A one hundred pounder Parrott gun ar- 
rived from Washington, by way of Aquia Creek. 
A heavy thunder-shower. 

Friday, May 15. — The battery received a num- 
ber of recruits from Battery G, Rhode Island, and 
from some of the infantry regiments. 

Monday, 3Iay 18. — Opposite Fredericksburg. 
We commenced to build summer shades. 

Wednesday, May 20. — We had to furnish one 
corporal and three privates as headquarters guard 
for the artillery brigade, to-day. 

Sunday, May 24. — The news of General Grant's 
victory on the Big Black river in Mississippi, were 
read in line. 

Monday, May 25. — Corporals Greene and Rider 
returned from Rhode Island. 

Tuesday, May 26. — Bill Drape mistook this day 
for Thanksgiving, living in such grand style. 

Wednesday y May 27. — French's division march- 
ed to Kelly's Ford in great haste. 

Saturday, May 30, — We were paid off for two 
months service. 

Sundat/, May 31. — Great excitement prevailed 
this morning. We were roused at half-past three 



88 

o'clock, and the battery hitched up. Battery A, 
Fourth Regulars, went in position instantly. The 
Thirty-fourth New York infantry formed as sup- 
port for our battery. But nothing happened ; ev- 
erything quiet in the afternoon. 

Monday^ June 1. — At four o'clock P. M. the 
battery had to be hitched up again. 

Tuesday^ June 2. — New shelter tents were dis- 
tributed. This afternoon we had division drill, 
under Generals Hancock and Gibbons. 

Thursday J June 4. — Order to be ready to march 
at a minute's notice. 

Friday^ June 5. — Left our camp near the river, 
establishing another near General Hancock's head- 
quarters, two miles from the depot. Five o'clock 
P. M. — a fight is going on near the Lacy gas ■\Vorks. 
Our battery opened on Fredericksburg. The 
Sixth corps crossed the river on pontoons, and 
took the first line of rifle-pits, making some prison- 
ers. Fighting kept on till seven o'clock, P. M. 
From our camp the flash of the batteries could 
plainly be seen. 

Saturday^ June 6. — Expiration of our second 
year of service. Artillery firing going on at inter- 
vals between Sedgwick's corps and the rebels. A 
heavy shower in the evening. 

Sunday^ Jane 7. — We got ready to march dur- 
ing the day. 

Tuesday^ June 9. — Changed camp again, but 
moving a short distance only. The Thirty-fourth 
New York regiment started for home, their time of 



89 

service having expired. A heavy cavalry fight 
occurred at Beaver Ford, between Pleasanton, 
Gregg, and Dufour, and Stuart and Fitz Hugh 
Lee. The latter was taken prisoner. 

Thursday^ June 11. — The rebel batteries opened 
on Sedgwick's corps. 

Friday^ June 12. — The rebels fired at our bal- 
loon near Banks' Ford. The Twenty-fourth regi- 
iment, New Jersey nine months men, went home 
to-day, their time being out. We lost five men by 
it, who were on detached duty in the batterj — 
honest John amongst them. 

Saturday^ June 13. — Our army begins to leave 
the Rappahannock. The supplies at the depot are 
carried to Aquia Creek with the most possible 
speed. The First, Third, Fifth, Eleventh and 
Twelfth corps started towards Warrenton. All 
the pontoon trains, but General Sedgwick's, have 
gone. The one hundred pounder Parrott gun was 
brought in position to-day, and fired once by Major 
Tompkins, after which the gun rolled off the plat- 
form. The Second and Sixth corps comprise all 
the troops that are left in front of Fredericksburg. 
At seven o'clock P. M. a heavy shower set in. 
Our battery was ordered to proceed to the Lacy 
House. Sedgwick's corps is recrossing the river. 
We left camp in a heavy rain, at ten o'clock in the 
night, arrived near the river at twelve, and got in 
position. The thirty-pounder Parrott gun battery, 
(Connecticut,) left at once. The one hundred 
pounder Parrott gun was taken to the railroad. 
8* 



90 

The Sixth corps passed by all night. The pontoon 
train and heavy artillery left at four o'clock A. M, 
on 

Sunday, June 14. — Opposite Fredericksburg, in 
position, behind redoubts. Only the Second corps 
is remaining jet. The rebels were quite surprised 
to find our troops across the river. They walked 
around their rifle-pits m squads, and fired at us and 
our infantry pickets on the shore ; but the general 
commanding threatened to open on them with artil- 
lery, if they did not stop it. During the afternoon 
the rebel troops lying around St. Mary's heights, 
marched and countermarched. Towards evening, 
we could see the cannoniers pull their guns by hand 
outside of the redoubts, and march off in the direc- 
tion of Culpepper. We had orders to leave fifteen 
minutes after dark. A deserter swam across the 
river into our lines about seven o'clock. Nine 
o'clock P. M. — leaving the Rappahannock. The 
guns were limbered up quietly. We started on 
the telegraph road, crossed Stoneman's Switch, and 
marched all night. 

Monday, June 15. — Arrived at Stafford Court 
House about seven o'clock A. M. We found a 
part of the Sixth corps in line of battle. The 
Second corps went in line of battle instantly. The 
balloon went up for the last time, a good sign of 
better prospects, for the balloon never brought luck 
to our army. At eleven o'clock, marching was 
resumed. We crossed Aquia Creek at three o'clock 
P. M., going in position near by, and remained 



91 

there for the rest of the day and night. The day 
was terribly hot, — 110^ in the shade. Eig'hteen 
men died from the effects of the heat. A man of 
the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts regiment broke 
his neck, falhng over a stump of a tree. We 
marched seventeen miles since leavino- Falmouth. 
Reports of artillery firing can be heard all day. 

Tuesday^ June 16. — The column got in motion 
at three o'clock in the morning. Heavy cannon- 
ade in the direction of the Blue Rido^e Mountains. 
We arrived at Dumfries about ten o'clock A. M. 
Rations were issued there, and our march resumed 
at noon* The right section of our battery, under 
Lieutenant Peter Hunt, was actincr rear-ouard to- 
day. We passed Wolf's run at seven o'clock, and 
went to camp for the night, after having marched 
twenty miles. The strong fortifications at Wolf 
Run Shoals, are counted to the defences of Wash- 
in o*ton. 

Wednesday^ June 17. — This morning we marched 
to Fairflix Station, (six miles,) and formed in line 
of battle. Our corps numbers not more than eight 
thousand effective men. The roads leadincr to Man- 
assas are full of the army trains, coming from War- 
ren ton. 

Thursday, June 18. — Near Fairfax Station, in 
line of battle. 

Friday^ June 1 9. — Near Fairfax Station. March- 
ed at four o'clock P. M., and arrived at Centreville 
about six. Went in position in one of the redoubts. 
A heavy shower in the night. 



92 

Saturday^ June 20. — Centreville. Great row 
between the Tammany regiment, New York, and 
some of the new troops under General Hayes. 
We left Centreville at one o'clock P. M., crossed 
the Cub Run, and marched over the old battle-field 
of Bull Run at five o'clock, which awoke all the 
bitter feelings of the troops, especially the sight of 
the skeletons of so many brave soldiers lying around. 
It is a shame to the country that the remains of 
those men, who fell in the two battles, are not bet- 
ter taken care of, as the ground lies within our 
lines. Arriving at Gainesville, the First and Third 
divisions, and our battery went to camp. The 
Second division marched to Thoroughfare Gap in 
the night. 

Sunday^ June 21. — At Gainesville. A battle is 
going on between Pleasanton's and Stuart's cavalry 
near Ashby Gap. Our cavalry pickets near Gaines- 
ville, were driven in this afternoon. Three com- 
panies of infantry, and the right section, got ready 
for support. About seven o'clock P. M., General 
Stahl's division of cavalry, with three rifled guns 
and a four-pound howitzer, taken from Moseby, 
near Fairfax Court House, two weeks ago, passed 
through, going to Warrenton. A dangerous ex- 
periment was made by John Tyng this evening. 
Pounding on a round shell, lying there since the 
second battle of Bull Run, the shell exploded 
amidst a crowd of the battery, without hurting any 
one. 

Monday^ June 22. — Gainesville. It was read in 
line that General Pleasanton, supported by Bar- 



93 

nard's division of infantry, Fifth corps, gained a 
victory over Stuart's cavalry at Upperville and 
Ashby Gap, taking two guns and a quantity of 
small arms. 

Tuesday^ June 23. — Gainesville. Trains came 
up from Alexandria this morning, bringing supplies. 
Stalil's cavalry came back from Warrenton. 

Tliursday^ June 25. — Gainesville. Orders came 
to pack up. Two trains arrived from Alexandria, 
bringing supplies, and the news that the telegraph 
line had been broken and several cars burned, be- 
tween this place and Fairfax Station, by guerillas. 
We left Gainesville at noon, crossed the Bull Run, 
marched on the Winchester and Leesburg turnpike, 
passed Sudley's church, taking the same route we 
did under McDow^ell, goino; to and comino; from 
the first Bull Run battle, until we turned off to 
Gum Spring, halting for the night. Marched 
eighteen miles in all. Battery B, lost a caisson 
and two men taken prisoners, coming from 
Thoroughfare Gap. 

Friday, June 26. — Gum Spring. Left at tQw 
o'clock A. M., going to Edward's Ferry, where w^e 
arrived by eight o'clock P. M. — ten miles march. 
Two pontoon bridges are drawn across the Poto- 
mac. Troops are going over all the time. We 
halted for the purpose of camping. Tents were 
pitched, but the order came at ten o'clock P.M., 
that all the troops had to cross before daylight. 
General Hayes' brigade of Heintzelman's corps, 
consisting of the Thirty-ninth, One Hundred and 



94 

Eleventh, One Hundred and Twenty-fifth, and 
One Hundred and Twenty-sixth New York regi- 
ments, was attached to the Second corps. 

Saturday^ June 27. — Crossed the Potomac at two 
o'clock in the morning. Went to rest a mile from 
the river. Remained until two o'clock P. M. 
Resumed marching. Passed through Poolesville at 
four, Barnesville at nine, and went to camp at the 
foot of Sugar Loaf Mountain at ten o'clock P. M. 

Sunday^ June 28. — Resumed our march at six 
o'clock A. M., passed through Urbana by one, and 
came in sight of Frederick at three o'clock P. M. 
We went in position on a hill, five miles from the 
city, having marched nine miles. Joe Hooker has 
been superseded by General Meade in the command 
of the Army of the Potomac. The rebels occupied 
Carlisle, in Pennsylvania. 

Monday^ June 29. — Marched at eight o'clock. 
Crossed the Monocacy river. After passing through 
Frederick, we turned off to the Baltimore road, 
crossino; the Stone Bridge. We went through 
Mount Pleasant, Liberty, Union Bridge and Union- 
town. Cherries are plenty on the road. The 
people in general are very patriotic, doing anything 
for the soldiers. This day's march, thirty-five 
miles, is the longest ever made by the battery, ex- 
cepting that after the first Bull Run battle. We 
went to camp at ten o'clock in the night. 

Tuesday^ June 30. — Uniontown. Our corps is 
resting to-day. Whiskey is very abundant round 
here. We have marched one hundred and thirty- 
nine miles since the fourteenth of June. 



95 

Wednesday^ July 1. — Left Uniontown in the 
morning, passed through Taneytown, and were two 
miles from Gettysburg at dark, having marched 
fifteen miles. The First and Eleventh corps 
fought a battle to-day, losing the town of Gettys- 
burg. General Reynolds, of the First corps, was 
killed. 

Thursday^ July 2. — Second day's battle of Get- 
tysburg. In line of battle since six o'clock in the 
morning. The First, Second, Third and Eleventh 
corps in array. Skirmishers firing briskly. Artil- 
lery commenced to play. Nothing of importance 
was done, until about half-past four, our left wing 
advanced and opened the battle. The centre and 
left were soon hotly engaged. Our battery was in 
action all the afternoon. The Third corps lost 
ground towards evening, until General Hancock 
advanced with the First and Second corps and de- 
cided the day. The enemy made another demon- 
stration on the right, without success. The battle 
raged until nine o'clock in the night. One time it 
seemed as if we were all surrounded. Battery A, 
Fourth regulars, reversed their pieces ready to fire 
to the rear. This battery and ours fired canister 
in the evening. Our fourth piece was disabled 
early in the action, and sent to the rear in charge 
of Corporal W. Drape. One of the rear wheels 
of the fourth caisson, was shot away. When 
night settled down upon the battle-field, each army 
rested for the final blow. 

Friday, July 3.— Third day's battle of Gettys- 
burg. The enemy's batteries on his right opened 



96 

on us before daylight. Three limbers of Battery 
A, Fourth regulars, were blown up early in the 
morning. Our caissons were sent after ammunition 
several times. At eleven o'clock firing ceased, 
rations were given out, and the men commenced 
cooking. At one o'clock, all of a sudden, two sig- 
nal guns were fired by the enemy, followed by the 
most terrific cannnonade t)f more than a hundred 
pieces of artillery, playing on our centre. Our 
reply did not seem to make any impression at all. 
That dreadful artillery fire seemed to paralyze our 
wdiole line for a spell. Suddenly as it commenced 
it ceased, and three immense lines of infantry ad- 
vanced to take our almost annihilated batteries. 
Battery B, Rhode Island, A, Fourth regulars, I, 
First regulars, and Pettit's New York Battery, 
were taken, but not held by the rebels. Our bat- 
tery withdrew their guns with honor, leaving the 
dead, some of the wounded, and two caissons 
behind. At the time of our leaving, the battle was 
at its turning point. The most desperate fighting 
was done on Cemetery Hill and the Emmettsburg 
road. The field presented a ghastly appearance. 
Our officers behaved very well, especially Lieuten- 
ant Jacob Lamb, who, being wounded in the hand, 
refused to leave the field, carried ammunition and 
encouraged the men. Our loss was : Killed — Pat- 
rick Lannegan, first piece, shot in the groin ; John 
Zimmerli, fourth piece, head taken ofi^ by a cannon 
ball ; Simon Creamer, sixth piece, skull severed by 
a shell. Wounded — Lieutenant J. Lamb, hand ; 



97 

Sergeant BGnjamln Childs, slioukler ; Corporal W. 
Rider, arm ; Corporal W. R. Calder, back ; Cor- 
poral Shaw, shoulder ; Privates — Grady, leg off, 
died afterwards ; Gil. Harrison, foot ; Higglns, arm 
shot away, died afterwards ; Markey, shoulder ; 
Curtis, foot, slightly ; Googin, arm, slightly ; Car- 
gill, leg; Byron Snow, back; Walter Arnold, leg; 
Wellman, elbow, slightly; Morrissey, leg, badly; 
Hathaway, shoulder ; Shampman, hip ; Tuttle, arm ; 
Carlier, slightly ; Middleton, leg, slightly ; Dawson, 
slightly ; Tomdorf, leg, slightly ; Oaks, slightly. 
Jack Hughes, and Long Clark and his brother, 
ran away. Our battery went two miles to the rear, 
in an exhausted condition. The Sixth corps reach- 
ed the battle-field about three o'clock P. M. 

Saturday^ July 4. — Gettysburg. The battle is 
over. The skirmishers of the two armies are yet still 
confronting each other. Three men of our battery 
rode back to the battle-ground to inter our dead ; 
but found them already buried by Battery C, Rhode 
Island. Lannegan was buried near our camp ; also. 
Lieutenant Gushing, Battery A, Fourth Regulars — 
this battery is to be consolidated with Battery I, 
First Regulars. The great artillery assault on our 
centre, was the last eftbrt of Lee's army to force 
our lines from Cemetery Hill. The rebels' ammu- 
nition must have been nearly expended after that. 
Our battery used as much as twenty-two hundred 
rounds of ammunition, during the battle. The 
town of Gettysburg is occupied by our forces. A 
heavy shower this evening. 
9 



98 

Sunday^ July 5. — Battlefield of Gettysburg. 
Oar army has taken twelve thousand prisoners. 
The rebels are in full retreat. Pleasanton's cav- 
alry and the Sixth corps are in pursuit. Our bat- 
tery will be consolidated with Battery B, Rhode 
Island. We received a new" supply of ammunition 
and marched oif on the Baltimore road, by seven 
o'clock P. M., going in camp near Littletown, six 
miles from Gettysburg, by nine P. M. It rained 
during the night. 

Monday^ July 6. — Remained in camp near Lit- 
tletown all day. General French took a pontoon 
train from the rebels near Williamsport. The Po- 
tomac reported to be very high. 

Tuesday^ July 7. — Marched to Taneytown, seven 
miles, and went to camp, on account of the infantry 
having been without rations for several days. The 
Twelfth corps passed through this afternoon. The 
town is under contribution of rations for the troops. 

Wednesday^ July 8. — Left Taneytown early. 
Marched twenty-four miles during a tremendous 
rain-storm. Passed through Woodsborough and 
Walkers ville, and went to camp in a field of oats, 
five miles from Frederick City. The news of the 
surrender of Vicksburg were read in line on the 
road. 

Thursday^ Jidy 9. — Marched at seven o'clock A. 
M. Passed through Frederick City, which was 
guarded by the Seventh Regiment, New York 
militia, and a new battery ; Jefferson City and 
Perkinsville, crossed the South Mountain and went 



99 

to camp for the night, not far from Sharpsburg. 
Koar Frederick we saw the body of the spy Rich- 
ardson, hung on a tree by order of General Buford 
of the cavalry. Marched eighteen miles to-day. 

Friday^ July 10. — Marched through Kettysville. 
The Third corps, General French, was fighting 
yesterday, and cannonading is going on now. 
Passed the battle-field of Antietam at twelve o'clock 
M., going to camp three miles beyond. The 
Twelfth corps is camping close to ns. The differ- 
ent corps are fortifying their positions. 

Saturday^ July 11 . — Marched four miles. Passed 
through Tillmington. The enemy was found in 
front. Our columns formed in line of battle. 
Skirmishing was kept up briskly. The rebels fell 
back a little, as our artillery opened on them. The 
cavalry advanced in a body at half-past four o'clock, 
gaining some ground. At midnight, the infantry 
was ordered to advance and take possession of 
the Hao;erstown road. We remained all niorht. 
We have marched two hundred and twenty-three 
miles since the fourteenth of June. 

Sunday^ July 12. — We advanced a short distance 
at eight o'clock A.M. Our infantrj' is half a mile 
ahead. Skirmishino- was o;oi"S on all the morninor. 
Artillery is used once in a while. All the artillery 
of the Fifth corps passed by between four and six 
o'clock P. M. A heavy shower this afternoon. 
In the evening, we changed our position, advancing 
a quarter of a mile nearer to the front. 

3Ionday, July 13. — Changed position in the morn, 
ing, going a short distance behind breastworks. 



100 

Three fortified lines are already formed by our 
army. A battle is expected. We remained in 
our new position all day. It rained the whole 
evening and night. 

Tuesday^ July 14. — Advance and'reconnoissance 
of parts of the Second, Fifth and Twelfth corps, 
cavalry ahead. Our battery marched on the Wil- 
liamsport turnpike. Cannonading and musketry 
fire could be heard at mid-day. The roads are 
very muddy. Rebel caissons, full of ammunition, 
are frequently found on the roadside. Lee's army 
is crossing the Potomac at FalHng Waters. Gen- 
eral Kilpatrick charged through Williamsport, cap- 
turing the rear guard, consisting of eight hundred 
men. On our approach, a short but desperate 
fight was going on at one of the redoubts, close to 
the river. A brigade, in command of General 
Pettigrew, defending the redoubt, hoisted the 
white flag. Forty men of the Eighth Michigan 
cavalry, charging, in good faith of their surrender, 
were all slaughtered after going in the trap. The 
redoubt was carried by the infantry shortly after ; 
but General Pettigrew and most of his men escaped. 
We had a heavy shower this evening. 

Wednesday^ Jidy 15. — The greater part of the 
army is marching towards Sharpsburg. Our bat- 
tery returned to its former position. We were 
told to rest until one o'clock P. M., as we had to 
do some marching yet. About three o'clock we 
started, passed through Sharpsburg at five o'clock, 
and marched half way to Maryland Heights, going 



101 

to camp late at niglit. The Second and Twelfth 
corps occupy the place. 

Thursday^ July 16. — The battery followed the 
canal road, passed Harper's Ferry, Sandy Hook, 
and went to camp in Pleasant Valley. All these 
places are full of our troops. Marched two hun- 
dred and fifty-six miles since the fourteenth of June. 
The engineers are laying pontoons at Berlin and 
Harper's Ferry. Iron-clad cars, with a howitzer in 
each, are running between Washington and Har- 
per's Ferry. News of the surrender of Port Hud- 
son, and the occupation of Morris Island, near 
Charleston, by our troops. 

Friday^ July 17. — Camp in Pleasant Valley. 
At rest for the day. 

Saturday^ July 18. — Left Pleasant Valley at six 
o'clock A. M. The Second and Third corps 
crossed the Potomac to Harper's Ferry on pontoons, 
and the Shenandoah river on the trestlework 
bridge. Marched eight miles into Loudon Valley, 
going in camp. 

Sunday^ July 19. — Loudon Valley. New 
clothes Avere issued to the battery. We started at 
six o'clock A. M., marching only four miles. The 
country abounds in delicious blackberries. 

Monday^ July 20. — Marched ten miles on the 
Leesburg turnpike, and camped outside of Bloom- 
field. 

Tuesday^ July 21. — Camp at Bloomfield. Cap- 
tain McMalion is to be shot to-morrow for kilHng 
Captain McManners. 
9* 



102 

Wednesday^ July 22. — Bloomfield, Virginia. 
Started by one o'clock P. M. Marched through 
Upperville by six, and Paris by seven o'clock in 
the evening, going to camp at the foot of Ashby 
Gap. Marched eight miles to-day. Captain Mc- 
Mahon's sentence to be shot, has been changed by 
President Lincoln to ten years in the State Prison. 
The Fifth Regular cavalry met the rebels at Man- 
assas Gap. 

Thursday^ July 23. — Left Ashby Gap early, 
marching on the mountain road, leading to Front 
Royal. Arrived at Markham's Station, on the 
Manassas Gap Railroad, by three o'clock P. M. 
Passed Linden at five. The Stone Church there is 
full of our wounded from the engagement two days 
previous. The Third corps engaged the enemy 
during the day. We went to park at eight o'clock 
P. M., in Manassas Gap, near the village of Peters- 
burg. The Fifth corps is ahead of the Second. 
We marched twelve miles to-day. 

Friday^ July 24. — A desperate fight took place 
on Wapping Heights yesterday. Our infantry 
under General Spinola charged the enemy three 
times. Lee's army is marching towards Culpepper 
Court House. Their long line of trains are visible 
on the other side of the Shenandoah river. Our 
troops are in want of rations, and the horses need 
forage. The army left Manassas Gap at one 
o'clock P. M. Our corps went to camp outside of 
Markham's Station, for the night. 

Saturday^ July 25. — Started at six o'clock A. 
M. We had a very difficult march over the 



103 

mountains, in intensely hot weather. Lost several 
horses durino; the day. Passed throuo-h Rector- 
town. Our rear was once attacked by guerillas. 
Arrived at White Plains by three o'clock P. M. 
Our battery parked near the woods. Rations 
were given out. A heavy rain fell this evening. 

Sunday^ Jidy 26. — Left White Plains at five 
o'clock, A. M., taking the course of the Manassas 
Gap Railroad, turning off to New Baltimore, from 
there to Warrenton, arriving at noon. The bat- 
tery rl^sted until half-past one o'clock, and marched 
to Warrenton Junction. The weather was in- 
tensely hot. Dead and dying soldiers were lying 
along the roadside. Our battery lost six horses. 
We marched twenty-four miles to-day. The troops 
camped half a mile from the railroad. A shower 
fell in the night. 

3Io7iday, July 27. — Camp near Warrenton Junc- 
tion. We have marched three hundred and thirty- 
four miles since the fourteenth of June. A heavy 
fall of rain in the night. 

Tuesday, July 28. — Camp near Warrenton 
Junction. We remained quiet. A shower in the 
night. 

Wednesday, Jidy 29. — Camp near Warrenton 
Junction. Remained quiet. A fall of rain in the 
evenino;. 

. Thursday, July 30. — Camp near Warrenton 
Junction. At six o'clock in the evening, we were 
ordered to march, going only six miles further and 
^yent to camp at Elktown. 



104 

Fridaif^ July 31. — Went six miles further, to- 
wards Morrisville, going in camp. Clothes were 
issued this evening. 

Saturday, August 1. — The third division of the 
Second corps, and our battery, marched back to 
Elktown. Our camp is very pleasantly situated 
near tjie woods. 

Sunday^ August 2. — Camp at Elktown. The 
weather is very hot. 

Monday, August 3. — The battery was paid off 
for two months service. 

Tuesday, August 4. — Camp at Elktown. Can- 
nonade in the direction of the Rappahannock. 

Friday, August 7. — Battery B drew horses to- 
day. 

Saturday, August 8. — Elktown. Battery B sep- 
arated from Battery A, (ours,) getting a new set ot 
guns at Morrisville. 

Thursday, August 13. — A heavy fall of rain to- 
day. 

Saturday, August 15. — Elktown. Troops are 
going to Alexandria. 

Thursday, August 20. — The rebels made a de- 
monstration from the vicinity of Dumfries. 

Saturday, August 22. — General Warren took 
command of the Second corps. He inspected our 
battery to-day. Hot weather. 

Monday, August 31. — Elktown. Reconnoisance 
of the Second corps. Intelligence was brought 
that Wade Hampton's cavalry had crossed over to 
the northside of the Rappahannock on a raid. Our 



105 

cavalry is to follow them up, while infantry and 
artillery are guarding the different fords on the 
river. We marched by daybreak, going fifteen 
miles, and went in park one mile from United 
States Ford. 

Friday^ September 4. — Return from the Rappa- 
hannock. The battery left at six o'clock P. M., 
followed by the First division. We did not go 
back to Elktown, but were ordered to report at 
Morris ville. Kilpatrick's cavalry returned, having 
destroyed the gunboat taken by the rebels, 

Wednesday^ September 9. — Mornsville. Mount- 
ed drill. 

Thursday, September 10. — Mounted drill. 

Friday, September 11. — Cannonading heard in 
the direction of the Rappahannock. 

Saturday, September 12. — Morrisville. The 
Second corps left camp at ten o'clock A. M., 
marched to Bealton Station, from there to Rappa- 
hannock Station, going in camp for the night. The 
First and Fifth corps are camping near the fords. 
Our cavalry has crossed the river, and is skirmish- 
ing with the rebels. We marched ten miles to- 
day. 

Sunday, Sep)tember 13. — At Rappahannock Ford. 
The whole cavalry corps is across the river. The 
Second corps crossed about eight o'clock A. M., on 
a pontoon bridge. The cavalry and horse artillery 
are already fighting between Brandy Station and 
Culpepper Court House. We halted for an hour 
at Brandy Station, on the road to Culpepper. 



106 

Three rebel guns, and twenty artillerymen, who 
were Maryland rebels, and well dressed, captured 
by Kilpatrick's cavalry, were carried by. We ar- 
rived in Culpepper at six o'clock P. M. The view 
of the surrounding country is splendid. Our cav- 
alry drove Stuart's cavalry clear to Cedar Mountain, 
occasionally filing a gun at them. We were in 
line of battle, the artillery on the hills, and a part 
of the infantry around Culj)epper Court House. 
Rain fell durino; the night. 

Monday^ September 14. — In line of battle at Cul- 
pepper Court House. The cavalry still fighting 
near the Rapidan. 

Tuesday^ September 15. — Culpepper Court 
House. Cannonading going on since morning. 

Wednesday^ September 16. — Culpepper Court 
House. At nine o'clock A. M., orders came for 
the Third division, our battery and Battery B, to 
advance. We marched through the town to Cedar 
Mountain, General Pope's battle ground, and occu- 
pied the hill during the evening and night, in line 
of battle. We could see the rebel artillery fire on 
our cavalry at Raccoon Ford. Marched eight miles 
to-day. A very cold night. 

Thursday^ September 17. — Cedar Mountain. 
Left at ten o'clock, A. M., marching only three 
miles. Heavy skirmishing was going on during the 
afternoon at Robinson's Creek. The rebels are in 
strong force on the Rapidan. Our battery went to 
camp near the woods in the evening. A heavy 
fall of rain all night. 



107 



Friday^ September 18. — Near Robinson's Creek. 
Two deserters, of the Fourteenth Connecticut regi- 
ment, -were shot to-day, in presence of the Third 
division. Batteries A and B, Rhode Island. At 
the same time a fight was going on near the Rap- 
idan. 

Saturday^ September 19. — Near Robinson's 
Creek. We changed camp. The battery was 
hitched up until four o'clock P. M. Quiet until 

Tuesday^ September 22. — A cavalry fight took 
place on the other side of Robinson's Creek. 

Wednesday^ September 23. — Robinson's Creek. 
Fio;htino; o-oino; on all the afternoon. We can see 
the troops manoeuvring on the other side of the 
creek. Artillery was firing rapidly. Afterwards 
we found out that Kilpatrick's cavalry returned 
from a reconnoissance, the enemy disputing his pas- 
sage fiercely. 

Thursday^ September 24. — Robinson's Creek. 
The battery was paid off for two months service. 
New clothes were issued in the afternoon. 

Sunday^ September 27. — The Eleventh and 
Twelfth corps are leaving the Army of the Poto- 
mac, going to join the Western army. 

Tuesday^ September 29. — Our battery, without 
the caissons, turned out this afternoon under cover 
of the woods, to Robinson's Creek, to support the 
cavalry, they making a dash on the rebel picket 
lines towards evening, which was done in good 
style. We did not fire, and returned to camp at 
dark. 



108 

Friday ^^ October 2. — It rained all day. A de- 
serter was shot in the First division. 

Saturday, October 3. — Robinson's Creek. The 
Third brigade of the Third division. Second corps, 
under General Paddy Owen, came to camp this 
evening, close to our battery. 

Sunday, October 4. — Mounted inspection. 

Monday, October 5. — The Sixth corps arrived 
to-day to relieve ours, (the Second.) 

Tuesday, October 6. — The Second corps left Rob- 
mson's Creek, at seven o'clock, A. M., returning 
to Culpepper. The main body of the army camps 
around Culpepper. The town presents a lively 
aspect. 

Friday, October 9. — Lee's army reported to 
operate on our flank. 

Saturday, October 10. — Culpepper Court House. 

The army is in line of battle around Culpepper. A 

battle expected. Our battery marched three miles 

to the right of Culpepper, going in position in the 

woods at night. The enmneers of the Second di- 
es o 

vision were cutting trees all night. The position 
of our battery is very poor, as manoeuvring is ab- 
solutely impossible in these woods. Lee's whole 
army is in motion on our right flank. 

Sunday, October 11. — Our corps fell back to 
Culpepper at two o'clock in the morning, halting 
there until daybreak, when we marched back to 
Rappahannock Station, the Sixth corps in our rear. 
The whole army is falling back. Lifantry are 
busy levelling the redoubts that cover the ford. 
The battery went to Bealton Station, going in park. 



109 

Monday^ October 12. — Bcalton Station. Heavy 
ficrhtins: ixoino; on between Kil])atrick's and Stuart's 
cavalry. At twelve o'clock the Second and Sixth 
corps received orders to recross the Rappahannock. 
Arriving there in quick time, we crossed iuuiiedi- 
ately, and formed in line of battle. The two corps, 
drawn up in a straight line, half-way between 
Brandy Station and the Rappahannock, presented 
a splendid sight. The enemy fell back to Cul- 
pepper after sunset. General Gregg's cavalry was 
defeated at White Sulphur Springs to-day. Orders 
came suddenly, at twelve o'clock in the night, to 
fall back across the Rappahannock. 

Tuesday^ October 13. — We arrived at Bealton 
Station before daybreak, and were immediately 
ordered to White Sulphur Springs, to support 
Gregg ; but the order was countermanded when 
we were within a few miles from there. We 
marched at once in the direction of Warrenton 
Junction, and halted at dark, on account of the 
Third corps trains. Marched twenty-five miles 
since last night. 

Wednesday^ October 14. — Action on Coffee Hill 
and at Bristow Station. The Second corps was in 
motion at three o'clock in the mornino;. Laro-e 
tires were burnino; all along the roadside. Near 
daybreak, one of our caissons and one of Battery 
B's, were upset in crossing a stream. Reports of 
carbines greeted our ears, astonishing everybody, 
as no attack from the enemy was expected. Great 
excitement prevailed at first. Several men of the 
JO 



110 

First division were killed and wounded, the rebels 
opening furiously on a hill where the infantry 
were busy cooking coffee. The rebel force consist- 
ed of cavalry and horse-artillery. Our battery 
took position on the hill, but changed front soon 
after, firing to the rear, facing a deep creek below 
the hill. Generals Warren and Caldwell were 
present. General Warren ordered General Hayes 
to march his division directly to Manassas Junction, 
and if opposed by the enemy, to charge with the 
bayonet at once. A short time after a battery ap- 
peared in our front. Captain Arnold wished to 
open fire ; but, incredible as it sounds, yet true, Gen- 
eral Caldwell would not allow it, taking the rebels for 
our own troops. They unlimbered, and opened a 
well-directed fire on our battery, which had a very 
exposed position. Our fire did not seem to have 
much effect. General Caldwell did not remain 
after finding out his mistake. Our battery w^as 
compelled to withdraw. A section of regular artil- 
lery tried to get in position, but was unable to do 
so. The hue of march was taken up immediately, 
cavalry and horse-artillery marching on both flanks. 
We were not disturbed any more until four o'c^/^ 1. 
p. M., our troops suddenly met the enemy on the 
railroad at Bristow Station. Only four guns of 
our battery were at hand, the right section acting 
as rear guard. We were opposed by a six gun 
battery, having mostly white horses. A desperate 
engagement followed, lasting one hour. We fired 
point blank mo^t of the time. The rebel battery 



Ill 

was nearly annihilated, and five of their guns car- 
ried away by our infantry; but our battery de- 
serves due credit for the capture of the rebels. 
The rioht section arrived after the enp-ao-ement 
was over, taking up its position instantly. At dark 
the enemy suddenly attacked us on our left flank, 
bringing a battery to bear on us from the other side 
of the railroad ; but the dam bcino; too hio'h, they 
could not fire with accuracy. We changed front 
at once, opening fire, and silencing the battery 
shortly after, ending the engagement thereby. 
Hill's corps and Stewart's cavalry were the oppos- 
ing forces. The Second corps captured five guns 
and nearly a thousand prisoners. We all crossed 
Kettle Run, late in the night, marched to Centre- 
ville via Manassas Junction, arriving there in a 
tired-out condition. Our loss at Bristow Station 
was: Killed — Philip Crayton. Wounded — John 
Moran, died after Avar ds ; M. Desmond, James 
Gardner, Patrick Healey, and Theodore Reichardt. 

Thursday^ October 15. — Centreville. The bat- 
tery is refilling ammunition. 

Friday^ October 16. — A heavy rain. Tlie bat- 
tery advanced in front of Cub Run. 

Saturday^ October 17. — Cub Run. Cannonad- 
ino; is o;oino; on near Bull Run. The left section 
received new guns. During the afternoon the en- 
gineers laid a ])ontoon bridge across Cub Run, 
without meeting any opposition. The battery 
turned out to support, while a brigade of cavalry 



112 

and some horse artillery, crossed the Run to recon- 
noitre. 

Sunday^ October 18. — Cub Run. The cavalry 
is fighting on the way from Manassas Junction to 
Bristow Station. 

Monday^ October 19. — A heavy fall of rain at 
four o'clock in the morning. The Second and 
Third corps crossed Cub Run by daybreak, marched 
over Bull Run and Manassas Junction, and went 
to camp two miles from Bristow Station. The in- 
fantry carries rations for ten days. We marched 
eight miles to-day. The rebels have broken up 
the Orange and Alexandria railroad. 

Tuesday^ October 20. — Marched over the battle- 
field at Bristow Station and through Greenwich, 
going in position on Coffee Hill at dark. Marched 
eighteen miles to-dg.y. 

Wednesday^ October 21. — Remained on Coffee 
Hill all day. The remains of the soldiers who fell 
here on the fourteenth were buried by our troops. 
The Third corps advanced further. 

Thursday^ October 22. — Coffee Hill. Changed 
camp this afternoon. 

Friday^ October 23. — Marched to within two 
miles of Warrenton Junction, going in camp. 

Saturday^ October 24. — Camp near Warrenton 
Junction. 

Monday^ October 26. — Cannonading going on, 
some distance off. All the artillery of our corps 
was packed up until half-past six o'clock. 

Wednesday^ October 28. — Skirmishing going on 
at Bealton Station. 



113 

Saturday^ October 31. — Camp near Warrentoii. 
The battery was mustered in for two montlis ser- 
vice, by Captain Hassard, of Battery B. Mounted 
inspection at eleven o'clock A. M., by Lieutenant 
Colonel Munroe, Cliief-of- Artillery of the Second 
corps, our former lieutenant. 

Friday, Kovemher 6. — Review of the artillery of 
tlie Second corps, by Lieutenant Colonel Munroe. 

Saturday, November 7. — The army in motion. 
All the corps are marching towards the Rappahan- 
nock. Forced march to Bealton Station. Our 
corps took the road towards Kelly's Ford. The 
Sixth corps surprised the rebels completely at Rap- 
pahannock Ford, charged on their works, and cap- 
tured four guns, four colors, and eight hundred 
prisoners — four colonels and three lieutenant col- 
onels amongst them. The Third corps took four 
hundred prisoners. After arriving at Kelly's Ford, 
our corps went to camp for the night. 

Simday, November 8. — At Kelly's Ford. The 
Second and Third corps crossed the river at half- 
past six o'clock A. M., on pontoons, forming in 
line of battle. No opposition was met with when 
we advanced. Ewell's corps seemed to have occu- 
pied the ford, winter quarters having been built 
already. The different corps advanced two miles 
further from the river. Our corps camped on 
Colonel Thomas' plantation in the evening. 

Monday, November 9. — Camp on Colonel Thomas'' 
plantation. The first snow fell. All remains 
quiet. 

10* 



114 

Wednesday, November 11. — The battery changed 
camp. All the artillery of the Second corps is 
forming one camp. The enemy is on the other 
side of the Rapidan. 

Thursday^ November 12. — We were paid off for 
two months service. 

Saturday^ November 14. — A heavy shower fell 
about nine o'clock in the evening. 

Sunday^ November 15. — Our battery was packed 
up, ready to march, all the morning. Heavy can- 
nonading going on at the Rapidan. The order to 
march was countermanded in the afternoon. It 
rained all day. 

Monday^ November 16. — Mounted inspection by 
Lieutenant Colonel Munroe in the afternoon. The 
first train of cars crossed the bridge over Rappa- 
hannock Ford. 

Wednesday, November 18. — Review, in honor of 
some English officers. Our battery was harnessed 
up, but did not turn out. 

Saturday^ November 21. — It rained all day. 
Sunday, November 22. — New clothes were issued 
to the battery. 

Thursday, November 26. — Thanksgiving day. 
The army is advancing again. The Second and 
Fifth corps marched by daybreak. Before march- 
ing, it was announced to the troops, that the west- 
ern army, at Chattanooga, achieved a great victory 
over Bragg's forces. Arriving at Germania Ford, 
most of the artillery, our battery amongst it, was 
brought in position, while the cavalry charged 
across the Rapidan. Approaching the enemy's 



115 

works, they were found deserted. A pontoon 
l^ridge was immediately laid for the infantry. The 
artillery had to ford the river. We marched on 
the plank-road, leading to the Wilderness, until 
seven o'clock P. M., going in position by eight. 
All the troops are in line of battle. A severely 
cold night. 

Friday^ November 27. — Resumed our march on 
the plank-road, turning off to the Orange Court 
House road by nine o'clock A. M. Our skirmish- 
ers met the enemy at the Red Tavern. Brisk 
skirmishing commenced, and some of the short 
range artillery went in action. We remained on 
the roadside until five o'clock P. M., going in park 
then. A large quantity of rails were secured by 
the battery boys to keep large fires burning all 
night. 

Saturday, November 28. — The order was to be 
awake by three o'clock in the morning. At day- 
break our hues advanced, but the enemy fell back 
some distance. Our line of battle followed rapidly 
until ten o'clock A. M., when suddenly our ad- 
vance was checked in front of Mine Run. Find- 
ing the rebel army in battle array, presenting a 
formidable line, our battery was brought in position 
at once ; but, shortly afterwards, ordered to ad- 
vance and open fire on them. Our unexpected 
firing broke the front line of infantry very soon ; 
but two batteries taking the position, opened a ter- 
rible fire on our battery. Owing to our exposed po- 
sition, we had to withdraw our guns by hand to the 
rear, where the ground formed a sort of ravine. 



116 

At tliis time, Rickett's Pennsylvania battery, and 
Ames' New York battery, opened from our left. 
Our battery fired sixty rounds. We had one man 
wounded, Burrill, — a detached infantry man, — a 
cannon ball breaking his arm. Shortly after we 
retired to our former position. All hands went to 
digging until eleven o'clock in the night. About 
midnight we were ordered to fall back on Red 
Tavern. The roads are m a horrid condition. 
Rain set in early in the morning. 

Sunday^ November 29. — Red Tavern. March 
of the Second corps and a division of the Sixth to 
the left flank, at seven o'clock A. M. All the rear 
boxes of the caissons were left behind, so as not to 
impede the march on the muddy roads. We turned 
oif to the Gordonsville plank-road. Our cavalry 
was skirmishing all the time. Passing through the 
woods, the enemy's batteries opened a heavy fire, 
but were responded to by our horse artillery. A 
line of battle was formed at once. Our battery 
went in position on a knoll, close to the woods. 
The enemy ceased firing at dark, and the glare of 
both armies camp-fires was soon visible. The 
night v/as very cold. We are only three miles 
from Orange Court House. 

Monday^ November 30. — Most of the infantiy of 
the Second corps, and the division of the Sixtli, 
advanced before daylight, w^ith the intention to 
take the enemy's works by assault. It was under- 
stood that we should open fire at an elevation of 
nine deo;rees, by the first buo'le sound. The 



117 

second signal of a bugle should be for the Infuntry 
to storm the works. But we waited in vain for 
any signal, General Warren stating the works 
could not be taken without immense loss of life ; 
the main works being built of solid logs, two feet 
thick, the breastworks eleven feet high and six feet 
thick, mounted with eighteen guns. Our battery 
opened several times on the enemy, who was en- 
deavoring to carry artillery by our front. Sergeant 
Olney made a splendid shot during the morning. 
Heavy cannonading was kept up on the right the 
wdiole forenoon ; but neither army seemed to be 
very anxious to open the battle. Horse artillery 
fired on our position several times, without doing 
any damage. During the afternoon the right sec- 
tion took position ahead of us, a little to our right, 
firing some. Our whole line was fortified during 
the day. At dark, our battery was ordered to fall 
back to the rear, which was gladly responded to. 
Going about two miles, we went in park close to 
the Fredericksburg plank-road. 

Tuesday^ December 1. — All the trains are going 
towards the Rapidan. Troops were marching back 
all the afternoon. The right section of our battery, 
under Lieutenant Hunt, was sent back to the front 
to guard the Orange road, but returned again 
hi the evening. At eleven o'clock in the night, 
the Second corps commenced marching to the 
rear, on the Fredericksburg plank-road. Our 
battery was the last of the corps. The night 
was cold but clear. The moon shone. We travel- 



118 

led very ff>st. A division of cavalry and some 
horse artillery concluded the rear-giiard. We 
marched all nio-ht. Large fires were burnino; on 
both sides of the road. Sometimes the woods were 
all on fire. On this march we were undergoing 
reat sufferings, many of us having no overcoats. 

Wednesday^ December 2. — We crossed the Rap- 
idan at Culpepper Ford, early in the morning. 
All the troops went over at once ; the cavalry cut- 
ting off on a shorter route. The pontoons were 
taken off immediately, while the troops halted to 
rest on the other side of the Rapidan. The rebel 
van-guard made its appearance, but were slielled 
by our horse artillery, dispersing them soon. We 
marched until eight o'clock P.M., when we reach- 
ed our old camp on Colonel Thomas' plantation. 
The mansion was destroyed entirely by our troops 
during the seven days campaign across the Rapidan. 
This is the first night for some time, we rest again 
in peace. 

Friday^ Becemher 4. — All the artillery changed 
camp. 

Saturday^ Becemher 5. — Left at eight o'clock A. 
M., and went to camp near Stevensburg, five miles 
from Culpepper; the poorest place that could be 
selected in winter time, as there is no firewood near 
at hand. 

Sunday, Becemhe?' 6. — Camp near Stevensburg. 
Lieutenant Lamb left the battery, going to Battery 
C, Rhode Island. Lieutenant Blake, formerly 
orderly sergeant of Battery B, took his place. 



119 

Monday^ December 7. — Camp near Stevensburg. 
Tlie infantry of the Second corps niarclied to the 
woods to build -svinter-quarters. 

Taesdai/, Beceinher 8. — Camp near Stevensburg. 
Tlie artillery brigade left camp, going to winter- 
quarters within one and a-half miles of Brandy 
Station. 

Wednesday^ December 9. — Camp near Mountain 
Run. Everybody is cutting wood for winter-quar- 
ters. A battalion of eno-ineers are buildino; a brido-e 
over the Mountain Run. Lieutenant Colewell 
arrived for our battery. 

Thursday^ December 10. — The artillery brigade 
changed camp, going across Mountain Run at noon, 
and again by four o'clock P. M. 

Friday, December 11. — It is now decided to re- 
main here for the winter, and orders were mven to 
build winter-quarters. A general order was read 
in line, to the effect that veterans, w^ishing to re- 
enlist, would get eight hundred dollars bounty and 
a furlough of thirty days. 

Saturday, December 12. — It was announced that 
soldiers could obtain furloughs for ten days. The 
building of winter-quarters is progressing. It rained 
to-day. 

Wednesday, December 16. — Mounted inspection 
by Lieutenant Colonel Munroe. Orderly Sergeant 
Thompson went home on a furlough. 

Thursday, December 17. — Captain Arnold left 
on a furlough of ten days. 

Friday, December 18. — Private Bontemps ar- 
rived in the batterv after seven months absence. 



120 

Raid of guerillas on the Orange and Alexandria 
Railroad. 

Sunday^ December 20, — Mounted inspection. 

Tuesday^ December 22. — Commenced building 
stables for the horses. 

Thursday^ December 24. — Cold weather. 

Saturday^ December 26. — Orderly Sergeant 
Thompson returned from home. 

Sunday^ 27, Monday, 28, Tuesday^ 29, Wednes- 
day^ 30, and Thursday^ December 31. — Rainy- 
weather all this time. 



18 6 4. 

Friday^ January 1. — Winter-quarters at Moun- 
tain Run. Cold weather. 

Saturday^ January 2. — Many horses die from 
the cold. 

Wednesday^ January 6. — Cold weather. 

Thursday^ January 7. — Mountain Run. Snow 
storm. 

Monday^ January 11. — The use of countersigns 
commenced again from this day. 

Friday^ January 15. — Mounted inspection. 

Monday^ January 18. — Rain. 

Thursday^ January 21. — Mrs. Captain Arnold 
arrived in camp. 



121 

Sunday^ January 24. — Mounted inspection. 

Friday^ January 29. — Mounted drill before 
General Hajes. 

Tuesday^ February 2. — First tliunder-sliower. 

Friday^ February 5. — The First Minnesota 
regiment marched off at daybreak, going home to 
reorganize. 

Saturday, February 6. — Reveille at four o'clock 
in the morning. We had orders to march by six 
o'clock A. M., with a blanket and rations for three 
days. The infantry of the Second cor})s, and all 
the long range artillery, marched through Stevens- 
burg to the Rapidan. Arriving at Morton's Ford, 
skirmishing commenced between ours and the reb- 
el infantry. A rebel battery on a hill opened on 
our battery, while going in position close to the 
river. We did not open immediately, as the rebel 
battery fired but a few rounds. The Third division, 
under General Hayes, forded the stream. At four 
o'clock in the afternoon, General Webb, of the 
Second division, ordered the infantry to advance, 
and our battery to fire. We used twenty-four 
rounds. The infantry pushed on, half-way up the 
hill, but had to retire at dark. Our battery fired 
fifteen more rounds, by Lieatenant Colonel Mun- 
roe's order. The infantry kept on fighting until 
seven o'clock in the evening. It rained all day. 

Sunday, February 7. — In line of battle at Mor- 
ton's Ford. All of our infantry recrossed last 
night. The rebel sharpshooters advanced to their 
rific-pits, firing on us. We remained quiet nearly 
11 



122 

all day. At dark we returned to camp, arriving 
about ten o'clock P. M. The roads were in a 
floating condition. The loss of our corps amounts 
to three hundred men. 

Friday^ February 12. — Sergeant Greene and 
Eugene Googins, went to Rhode Island for the 
purpose of recruiting. Mounted drill. 

Sunday^ February 14. — Mounted inspection. 

Tuesday^ February 16. — Monthly mounted in- 
spection, by Captain Thompson, acting chief-of- 
artillery. 

Wednesday^ February 17. — The battery was 
paid off for two months service. Some of the men 
received clothing money. 

Friday^ February 19. — Review of the artillery 
of the Second corps by General Warren. 

Sunday^ February 21. — Mounted inspection. 

Monday^ February 22. — Washington's birthday. 
Battalion drill of the artillery of the Second corps, 
by Captain Thompson. 

Tuesday^ February 23. — Review of the Second 
corps and General Kilpatrick's cavalry division. 
The review was held between Stevensburg and 
Pony Mountain. The weather was splendid. The 
troops presented a good appearance. Generals 
Meade and Warren, Senator Sprague, and many 
ladies were present. 

Saturday^ February 27. — The Sixth corps is 
going towards the Rapidan, on a reconnoissa-nce. 
We have orders to keep three days rations on 
hand, and be ready to march. 



123 

Tuesday^ March 1. — A heavy fall of rain. 

Saturday^ March 5. — Rain. 

Sunday, March 6. — Mounted inspection. 

Thursday, March 17. — St. Patrick's day. 
Monthly inspection by Captain Thompson. 

Friday, March 18. — One section of each battery 
in the corps had to turn out for target-shooting in 
the afternoon. 

Saturday, 3Iarch 19. — All the artillery had to 
go in position on the hill, but returned soon to 
the camp again. 

Tuesday, March 22. — We were paid off for two 
months service. Snow-storm. 

Friday, March 25. — The Army of the Potomac 
is to be divided in three corps. The Second w^ill 
be consolidated with the Third corps, and com- 
manded by General Hancock ; the Fifth corps 
commanded by General Warren ; The First and 
Sixth corps by General Sedgwick. 

Saturday, March 26. — liieutenant General Grant 
arrived at Brandy Station. 

Sunday, March 27. — Mounted inspection. 

Tuesday, March 29. — A heavy rain. 

Wednesday, March 30. — Rickett's Pennsylvania 
battery changed camp, going on top of the hill on 
the other side of Mountain Run. 

Friday, April 1. — Rain. 

Saturday, April 2. — Rain. 

Sunday, April 3. — We exchanged ammunition 
with Thompson's Pennsylvania battery. 

Monday, April 4. — Captain Thompson's battery 
left for Washincrton. 



124 

Tuesday^ April 5, and Saturday^ April 9. — A 
heavy fall of rain on both clays. 

Monday, Ai^ril 11. — Mounted inspection by 
the new chief-of-artillery, Colonel Ticlball, of the 
Fourth Heavy Artillery, New York. 

Tuesday, April 12. — Eugene Googins and Bill 
Taylor returned from Providence. 

TJiiirsday, April 14. — Fred Frown, promoted to 
captain, arrived to-day, and was presented with a 
sabre, in presence of Colonel Tompkins and Lieu- 
tenant Colonel Munroe, by Battery B, his new^ 
command. 

Sunday, April 17. — Lieutenant Cole well left the 
battery to-day, being discharged on his application. 

Tuesday, April 19. — The artillery practised tar- 
get-shooting in the morning. 

Wednesday, Aj^ril 20. — Review of the artillery 
of the Second corps, by General Hancock. The 
corps has eight batteries now. 

Friday, April 22. — Review of the Second corps, 
numbering nearly forty thousand men, by General 
Grant. 

Sunday, April 24. — Mounted inspection. 

Monday, April 25. — This afternoon, a private of 
the Nineteenth Massachusetts regiment was hung 
for violating a woman eighty years old. 

Wednesday, April 27. — The batter}^ broke up 
winter-quarters this morning, and went to camp 
between Stevensburg and Pony Mountain. Ser- 
o;eant Greene returned from recruitino;. 

Friday, April 29. — The battery changed camp 
again, moving close to the infantry. 



125 

Saturday^ April 30. — We were mustered in for 
two months service. 

Sunday^ May 1. — Monnted inspection. Burn- 
side's corps arrived at Warrenton Junction. 

Tuesday^ May 3. — The Army of the Potomac 
commences the great campaign against Richmond. 
General Grant is with the army. Our battery 
left camp at eight o'clock in the evening, and 
marched all night. 

Wednesday^ May 4. — Arriving at the Rapidan, 
we halted but a few minutes. Our cavalry was 
already across. About six o'clock A. M., we forded 
the river at Ely's Ford. The infantry crossed on 
a pontoon bridge. ^Ye marched directly towards 
the Wilderness, and arrived at Chancellorsville at 
noon. One division of the Second corps formed in 
line of battle, facing Fredericksburg, and remained 
there all day and night. 

Thursday^ May 5. — Battle in the Wilderness. 
At seven o'clock in the morning, the army was in 
motion, on the road leading to Spottsylvania. The 
Sixtli corps was in possession of Mine Run. Fight- 
ino; commenced on our rioht about one o'clock P. 
M. The First division, Batteries A and B, Rhode 
Island, turned to the left at four o'clock P. M. 
Parts of our corps were hotly engaged near sunset. 
Our battery went in position near a farm house, and 
commenced to fortify immediately. So did tlie in- 
fantry on our left. The troops on our left were to 
be withdrawn, but suddenly ordered to halt as the 
rebel cavalry was reported to attack our left. In the 
11* 



126 

night, our battery withdrew some distance to the 
rear, going in park. General Hayes was killed to- 
day. 

Friday^ May 6. — Battle in the Wilderness. 
The troo2:)s were awake at three o'clock in the 
morning. Our battery returned to its position at 
daybreak, and was strengthening the fortifications. 
Incessant musketry fire was going on from five 
o'clock until ten o'clock A. M. Most of the fidit- 
ing took place in the woods. Very little artillery 
had been used so far. The riMit section of our 
battery went to the rear to guard a road against 
the rebel cavalry. The enemy opened on our 
left with artillery, but was idgorously replied 
to by the Tenth Massachusetts battery. Heavy 
cannonading was going on on the extreme right. 
One gun of Rickett's Pennsylvania battery bursted. 
A general attack from the rebels was expected in 
the evening ; but all remained quiet during the 
night. We stayed within our fortifications all 
night, laying alongside of our guns. 

Saturday^ May 7. — Battle in the Wilderness. 
We were fortifying our position stronger yet. 
Little fighting was done in our front to-day. The 
woods are on fire, exposing the wounded to a horri- 
ble death. General Sheridan's cavalry has been 
fighting hard all day, near Todd's Tavern. Our 
battery went to the rear at eight o'clock in the 
evening ; but was kept in readiness for marching 
all night. 

Sunday^ May 8. — Battle in the Wilderness. 
Fredericksburg is in our possession. All of our 



127 

■wounded arc sent there. The Second corps ad- 
vanced as far as Todd's Tavern, forming in hne of 
battle, the cavalry on the flanks. Fighting was 
kept on until night, mostly in the woods. Artillery 
not much used. General Grant and staff passed 
by. The infantry was fortitying all night. 

Monday^ 3Iai/ 9. — Battle in the Wilderness. 
Line of battle at Todd's Tavern. Before break of 
day, our battery took position behind breastworks, 
built by the Thirty-ninth New York Regiment. 
But no engagement took place at this point. We 
left the position at noon, marching to the right. 
About three o'clock we got sight of the enemy's 
trains on the other side of the Po Creek. The right 
section, under Lieutenant Hunt, and one of Battery 
B, went in action, shelling the rebel trains. An 
hour afterwards, the rebels brought four pieces of 
horse artillery to bear on the two sections, but were 
silenced in twenty minutes. Walter Arnold, of our 
battery, was slightly wounded. Battery B had 
two men killed. The Second corps crossed the 
Po Creek at dark. Our battery went to park at 
ten o'clock P. M. General Sedgwick was killed 
by a sharpshooter. Picket firing all night. 

Tuesday^ May 10. — Near Spottsylvania Court 
House. Fio-htino' commenced all alono; the line. 
A report of the fall of Petersburg was read to all 
the troops. Our battery went a few rods to the 
rear, to be out of the way. The right section 
started off, and had an action of half an hour's du- 
ration, coming very near being flanked. At eleven 



128 

o'clock, our whole battery went to the rear, which 
was threatened by the enemy. We went m action 
on the roadside, firing for half an hour. The rebels 
evidently drove our infantry. The battery changed 
position, having the open field in the front and the 
woods in the rear and no road left to retreat but 
one, which was already endangered by the enemy. 
General Barlow, commanded oar troops at this 
point. It was decided now to withdraw the right 
and centre sections, leaving the left section to cover 
the retreat, without any support at all, to oppose 
the enemy, who was massing three formidable lines 
of infantry against us. Captain Arnold and Lieu- 
tenant Blake remained with the left section, giving 
orders to load and lay down until the enemy should 
be very near. This was done accordingly. At 
command of Captain Arnold, the pieces were fired 
with o-ood effect, and two of the rebel oauis soon 
silenced. The left section fired point blank during 
this action. Four lines of rebel infantry advanced 
on the left, throwing back our line of infantry across 
the only remaining road. Captain Arnold ordered 
our two guns to be brought to the rear by hand, 
limbering up from the rear, and try to make 
throngh the woods. The sixth piece escaped; but 
not the filth, the wheels o;ettino; stuck between trees. 
The enemy being very close upon us, opened such 
a terrific musketry fire on the piece as to make the 
horses unmanageable. Besides that, the cannoniers 
being all new men, left. Nobody remained but 
Captain Arnold, Lieutenant Blake, Sergeant Cal- 



129 

der, myself and the drivers. We found it impossi- 
ble to remove the gun, and had to abandon it there- 
fore, and crossed the Po Creek, the best way we 
could. The batteries on the other side of the 
creek, opened furiously on the victorious enemy. 
The remainder of our line of infantry fell back 
across the creek ; but over one thousand men were 
taken prisoners. Two men of our left section were 
wounded — Reynolds and Willy of the fifth piece. 
The latter had to be left on the field. Arriving 
at tlie battery, our comrades rejoiced to see us 
come back safe. We were engaged all the after- 
noon, setting fire to several shanties which served 
as rendezvous for sharpshooters. In the evening, 
we blew up a caisson of a rebel battery, which 
rode up at full speed, trying to get in action, causing 
them to withdraw immediately. We were In posi- 
tion all night. 

Wednesday, May 11. — Battle near Spottsylvanla. 
Our battery fortified before daybreak. Heavy 
skirmishing, and some firing of artillery, was kept 
up all day. A heavy shower fell in the evening. 
Our horses were unharnessed and sent to the rear 
of the woods. At ten o'clock In the night our 
corps received orders to leave. We marched all 
night. 

Thursday, 3Iay 12. — Battle of Spottsylvanla 
Court House. Great assault of Hancock's corps, 
supported by the Sixth. Near daybreak we ar- 
rived on the extreme left of our army. The in- 
fantrv, was already formed In line, ready for an 



130 

impetuous onset. General Hancock and his divi- 
sion commanders rode up in front of the hues har- 
ranguing the troops. The long line advanced sud- 
denly, soon disappearing in the fog, that hung over 
the ground. After a short but desperate engage- 
ment, the works were carried, and two Generals, 
Stewart and Johnson, eighteen pieces of artillery, 
seven colors, and three thousand men, captured. 
Our battery changed position three times while in 
action. When in the second position, our horses 
were unhitched to carry the captured rebel artillery 
to the rear. Our third position was close to the 
line of works taken from the enemy. We were 
hotly engaged for two hours. The rebels concen- 
trated all their forces towards this point. Our am- 
munition giving away, we were compelled to 
withdraw. The musketry fire was so severe that, 
had we remained a few minutes longer, we would 
undoubtedly have lost half of our men. Battery 
C, Fifth Regulars, occupied our position afterwards, 
but had to leave, and abandon two guns. The 
battle raged all day, and the loss of both armies 
was very heavy. Our army took eight thousand 
prisoners. During the day, our battery returned 
to the position held first, remaining there the rest 
of the day and night. 

Friday^ May 13. — Near Spottsylvania Court 
House. Skirmishing continued. Our battery 
changed position twice in the afternoon, going in 
park at last, unhitched and unharnessed. According 
to an official announcement to the army we cap- 



131 

tured two generals, eight thousand men, eighteen 
guns, and twenty-seven colors from the rebels. 
Our loss since we entered the Wilderness is esti- 
mated at forty thousand men in all. The rebels 
held their position all day, making the line of works 
taken yesterday, very uncomfortable. Picket- 
firing was kept up all night. One of our battery, 
by the name of Hoyle, a recruit, was shot in the 
foot while o;oino; near to the outer line. 

Saturday, May 14. The rebels are falling back. 
General Sheridan's cavalrv has done o-reat damao-e 
in their rear. Our fourth detachment received a 
rebel gun to-day, in place of the one lost on the 
tenth of May. Two more guns and caissons were 
taken from the enemy to-day. A mortar battery 
w^as playing on the enemy's lines all day. Rainy 
w^eather. 

Sunday, May 15. — Our battery left at half-past 
one o'clock in the morning, marching but a few 
miles. The Second corps was relieved by the 
Eighth, Generf^l Augur, being in reserve for a few 
days. We rested all day. A heavy shower fell 
in the evenino;. 

Monday, May 16. — Remained quiet all day. 
It was read in line that twenty-three thousand 
men, reinforcements, were on the way. 

Tuesday, May 17. — All the batteries were re- 
duced to four guns. The guns of our left section 
were sent to Belle Plain, by way of Fredericksburg. 
We changed camp at four o'clock P. M., and again 
about six, and marched off about ten o'clock in the 
night, going to the right of the line. 



Wednesday^ May 18. — At daybreak, heavy fight- 
ing commenced on the right. Our battery was in 
position, but as reserve. Generals Grant and 
Meade were in front of our battery, watching tha 
progress of the contest, which was fought almost 
precisely where the great assault of the twelfth 
instant took place. Battery B, Rhode Island, was 
in action. Many of the new troops, the Corcoran 
Legion amongst them, took part in this fight. We 
returned to our camping-place in the afternoon. 

Thursday^ May 19. — Near Spottsylvania Court 
House. We changed camp at eleven o'clock A. 
M., going in front of the army headquarters, and 
were pleasantly situated on the edge of the woods. 
A httle after three o'clock P. M., great excitement 
prevailed on the line, the rebels being reported to 
have made an attack on the Fredericksburg road. 
Our battery was ordered out, gomg two miles. 
The fight was nearly over at our arrival, the en- 
emy being driven back. We returned to the camp 
with orders to be ready to march at eleven o'clock 
P. M. The battery remained packed up all night, 
but did not leave. 

Friday^ May 20. — Near Spottsylvania Court 
House. Quiet all day. Started at eleven o'ciock 
in the night. The battery wagons were all uncov- 
ered. We marched all night. 

^ Saturday^ May 2l. -^Forced march of the Second 
corps. Crossed the Mat river at seven o'clock in 
the morning, struck the Fredericksburg and Gor- 
donsville Railroad, and entered Bowling Green at 



133 

noon. A fliir-looking town. Nino thousand of 
our cavalry and horse artillery passed through early 
in the morning, scattering the militia of the place. 
Marching further, we arriAcd at Milford Station at 
five o'clock P. M. This is an important railroad 
junction, with a good depot, and many dwelling 
houses. Our cavalry and horse artillery occupied 
the surrounding farms- At six o'clock P. M., we 
crossed the Mattapony river, over a stationary 
bridge, going in park for the night. About seven 
o'clock the rebels ran out two guns, firing on our 
camps for a short time. We marched twenty-five 
miles to-day. 

Sunday^ May 22. — On the Mattapony river. 
We advanced but one mile, at seven o'clock A. M., 
taking our position in the line of battle, ami forti- 
fied at once ; but, after finishing the works, we had 
to give them up to another battery, and dug a new 
line of intrenchments about one hundred yards off. 
This created c;reat dissatisfaction amono- the men. 
Heavy firing was going on to our right, some ten 
miles off. An attack from the encmy^ on our corps 
was expected, but we were not -disturbed. 

Monday^ May 23. — The Second corps was in 
motion again at daybreak. After marching ten 
miles, we crossed the Pole Cat Creek. About 
noon we arrived in the vicinity of the North Anna 
River, the Fifth corps being tliere already. After 
an hour's rest, our right section was ordered to ad- 
vance, taking position behind a narrow strip of 
woods, in front of the river. The rest of the bat- 
J2 



134 

tery, and all tlie other batteries of the corps, came 
soon after, and went m position. At three o'clock 
P. M., a desultory fire was opened on the enemy's 
works, ceasing by five olcock. The right section 
was ordered to go in advance of the line of battle, 
in front of a strong redoubt of the enemy, and to 
open furiously, and be a signal to all the batteries 
of the corps. The enemy offered great resistance 
for some time. If it had not been for a few very 
large trees in front of our position, we would have 
lost a number of men. A heavy cannonade was 
kept up until dark, when our assaulting columns 
carried the works at the point of the bayonet. The 
right section having expended all ammunition, filled 
up at once and crossed the Creek; being the first 
artillery on the other side of the North Anna River. 
We went in position, fortifying during the night. 

Tuesday, May 24. — Battle on the North Anna 
River. There was more or less fighting since 
daybreak. The enemy's artillery fired continuous- 
ly on the stationary bridge leading across the North 
Anna. Our sharpshooters and infantry carried the 
bridge at ten o'clock A. M. Our battery was at- 
tached to General BIrney's division to-day, and 
ordered to the right of the bridge to engage the 
enemy's battery shelling it. We engaged the bat- 
tery for an hour without any result at all, as they 
were strongly fortified. Tom Steere was shot in 
the leg by a sharpshooter. We were relieved by 
Battery K, Fourth Regulars, and returned to our 
first position. At four o'clock P. M. we crossed 



135 

the brido-e over the North Anna river, under the 
enemy's artillery fire. The cannoniers were told 
to scatter and go ahead of the battery, as horses 
were likely to draw the enemy's fire. We sustain- 
ed no loss in this movement. Most of the infantry 
of the corps were in line of battle on the south side 
of the river. Our battery took position behind 
breastworks thrown up by our troops, and sheltered 
by a Virginia mansion, instantly. A short engage- 
ment took place before dark ; but a heavy shower 
setting in, put an end to it. 

Wednesday^ May 25. — Southside of the North 
Anna River. The battery was ordered to advance 
at eight o'clock A. M. The cannoniers were sent 
ahead with shovels and pick-axes, to fortify our po- 
sition. Not much of any consequence was done in 
our front during the day, sonie sharpshooting ex- 
cepted. The corps had three fortified lines of bat- 
tle. Our battery was in the first — skirmishers in 
front of us. The mortar-battery was playing al\ 
the afternoon. Shower in evening. 

Thursday^ May 26. — Southside of the North 
Anna river. The Ninth corps was considerably 
engaged. We held our line all day. Shower in 
evenino;. Our forces evacuated the southside of 
the North Anna River at ten o'clock in the nighty 
going back to where the first line of battle was 
formed during the fight on the North Anna River^ 
and rested until the next morning. 

Friday^ May 27. — Flank march to the Pamun- 
key River. Sheridan's cavalry, the Fifth and 



136 

Sixth corps ahead ; the Second and Ninth corps in 
the rear. Started about noon, and hahed at eight 
o'clock, P. M., having marched fifteen miles. 
About eleven o'clock in the night we went three 
miles further and rested in a ploughed field. 

Saturday^ May 28. — Resumed marching at seven 
o'clock in the morning. Crossed the Pamunkey 
River about four o'clock P. M., on a pontoon 
bridge. General Meade's headquarters were on 
the southside of the river. Going a mile further, 
our battery went to camp, unhitched and unhar- 
nessed. The smoke of our gunboats on the Pa- 
munkey River, was visible. 

Sunday^ May 29. — Southside of the Pamunkey 
River. The battery was hitched up at two o'clock 
in the morning. We remained until evening. 
Marched off by seven o'clock, but returned soon 
after. We left camp again at eleven o'clock in the 
nio'ht, marched on the Mechanicsville road, going 
in park by one o'clock A. M., on 

3fonday^ May 30. — Within twenty miles of 
Richmond. The infantry was fortifying all of last 
nio"ht. Before daybreak, our battery was ordered 
to the extreme front, only one thousand yards from 
the enemy's works. We were set to work digging ; 
but ordered back to the rear, until the engineers 
had thrown up breastworks. It was lucky for us 
that we could not be seen by the enemy, on ac- 
count of the fog, or else but few would have escaped. 
At noon the battery returned, taking position be- 
hind the works. Shortly after the enemy opened, 



137 

concentrating a heavy artillery fire on our battery, 
which was vigorously replied to by our four guns. 
Lieutenant Peter Hunt was the only man hurt, a 
piece of a shell fracturing his right heel. During the 
afternoon a twenty-four pounder mortar battery was 
posted between our guns, keeping up a regular 
bombardment. Fio;litinor lasted until eio;ht o'clock 
in the evening. At that time, five of our batteries 
were playing on the enemy's works, which were 
considerably damaged. Our horses were sent a 
half mile to the rear. 

Tuesday^ May 31. — The rebels evacuated their 
line of intrenchments during last night. We could 
hear the noise created by the removal of the artil- 
lery, mistaking it for the arrival of reinforcements. 
General Barlow's division occupied the works at 
ten o'clock A. M. A brass battery was put in 
position, keeping up a steady fire on the retiring 
enemy. Considerable fighting was going on along 
the whole line to-day. The rebel sharpshooters 
were very troublesome, firing from high trees. 
Norris L. Church was shot in the head at eleven 
o'clock A. M., and died ten minutes afterwards. 
We changed position about eight o'clock in the 
evening, going a-half mile to the right. 

Wednesday^ June 1. — Heavy fighting was going 
on at Coal Harbor. The Sixth corps, and the 
Eighteenth, General Baldy Smith, being engaged 
with the rebels. Our battery was supported by 
two companies of the Twenty-eighth Massachusetts 
regiment, but not engaged to-day. The Second 
12* 



' 138 

corjDS commenced moving at dark, and marclied all 
night. 

Thursday^ June 2. — Battle of Coal Harbor. 
We arrived at Coal Harbor about ten o'clock in 
the morning. Fighting was still going on. The 
rebels had attacked the Sixth and Eighteenth corps 
about two o'clock in the morning, but were repulsed 
losing five hundred and twentj prisoners, who passed 
by our battery. We were not in action to-day, but 
yet exposed to the enemy's artillery fire. Our horses 
were unhitched and unharnessed for the niMit. 

Friday^ June 3. — Battle on Gaines' Farm. The 
battle began at four o'clock in the morning. Our 
battery took position about eight o'clock A. M., 
but changed it two hours after, going nearer to the 
front, and engaging one of the enemy's batteries at 
once. The breastworks In our front were of a very 
weak construction. Durino- the afternoon the en- 
emy fired with solid shot. As soon as they struck 
our breastworks, they stopped. It was only to 
ascertain the exact rano;e. The ase of streno-then- 
ing the breastworks was demonstrated to the men 
of the first piece, but they did not feel disposed to 
work. At eight o'clock in the evening, the enemy's 
batteries commenced a heavy cannonade on our 
lines. Having gained the precise range of our bat- 
tery, they fired very coiTect, two shots passing 
clear through the breastworks, wounding five men 
of the first piece : W. Sweet, in the face ; Gileo, 
slightly, in the face ; Swett, in the back, badly ; 
Coleman, in the groin ; and Whitford, right arm 



139 

shot off. The engagement lasted a-half an hour. 
We were told afterwards, that the firing of our 
battery caused great havoc amongst the rebels. 
Charles Lake was badly wounded by a shell, during 
tlie day. In the night. Major John G. Hassard 
brought orders for our battery to take an advanced 
position in front of Gaines' Hill, beforc daybreak 
the next mornino;, savino- he would see to the erec- 
tion of strong breastworks by the engineers. 

Saturday, June 4. — Battle on Gaines' Farm. 
At the appointed time, we went to take position on 
Gaines' Hill, but were disagreeably surprised to 
find no fortifications at all. The Fourth Regiment, 
Kew York Heavy Artillery, had just began to 
throw up a miserable frame of rotten rails. Besides 
that, these men were scared to death, and, as soon 
as the sharpshooters commenced to fire, could not 
be induced to work any longer. AYe were com- 
pelled to lay down, the breastworks being so poor 
that we did not dare to provoke the enemy's artil- 
lery fire, and standing by the guns would have 
been sure death. It was clear to every one's mind 
that some mean, malignant villain, not worthy of 
wearing shoulder-straps, had got the battery in this 
dreadful position purposely, for our term of service 
expired the next day, and we had long-range guns, 
while short range guns were fired a quarter of a 
mile in our rear, the shells exploding over our 
lieads, instead of reaching the rebel works. Cap- 
tain Arnold, sending word to the commanding 
general, informing him of our dangerous situation, 



1-40 

engineers were set to work in our rear, throwing 
up strong works. After their completion, prolongs 
were attached to each gun, and these pulled by 
hand behind the works, without any loss at all. 
Shortly after that, Captain Dow's Maine battery 
fired a signal, and all our batteries opened on the 
long line of rebel works on Gaines' Hill, keeping 
up the bombardment for two hours. At eight 
o'clock in the evening, the enemy determined to 
open the fight again, provoked an artillery duel of 
three-quarters of an hour's duration, ending the 
day's contest. Patrick Murray was slightly wound- 
ed to-day. 

Sunday^ June 5. — On Gaines' Hill. The en- 
emy's sharpshooters kept up a deadly fire on our 
lines all day. Captain Arnold called on General 
Hancock to have our battery relieved, our time 
being out. Major Hassard appeared shortly after- 
wards, bringing orders that we were to be relieved 
by Captain Ames' New York battery. Just as we 
were getting ready to go to the rear, the enemy 
opened with artillery, and the old hattery replied 
once more, keeping up fire until nine o'clock in 
the night, fighting three hours beyond our time of 
service. On the appearance of Captain Ames' 
battery, we quietly withdrew our guns, and marched 
to the rear, being cheered by all the troops we 
passed, as the services of the battery were well 
knoAvn in the Second corps, General Hancock say- 
ing himself, he was sorry to lose the battery, as it 
was the best one in the whole corps. Arriving in 



141 

the rear, we joined our battery-Avagon, forge aixl 
caissons. 

3Iondau, June G.— On Gaines' Farm. Captain 
Arnold is going home with the old members of the 
battery. Lieutenant Gamaliel L. Dwight took 
command of the remnants of Battery A. A num- 
ber of non-commissioned officeis went to the quar- 
ters of Colonel Tompkins to obtain their warrants 
before going home. We changed camp in the 
evening, but were still exposed to the enemy's 
artillery fire. 

Tuesday, June 7.— On Gaines' Farm. The old 
members returned all articles that go by the name 
of camp-equipage, to the battery ; the non-commis- 
sioned officers, their sabres and pistols. Some old 
member made the following proposition : " Our 
time having expired, and yet being imder the 
enemy's fire, we should go a mile further to the 
rear, to sleep in the woods, as it would be no honor 
to get killed or wounded now." The proposition 
was readily accepted, and carried into effect. 

Wednesday^ June 8. — Before break-of-day the 
old members assembled at the camp of Battery A. 
Captain Arnold procured a mule team to carry our 
bao'cpacre, and off we went at seven o'clock A. M. 
Never marched men with a better will, the fifteen 
miles to White House Landing, where we arrived 
by two o'clock P. M. Fortune smiled on us once 
more. We were put on board the propeller New 
Jersey at four o'clock, steaming down the Pamun- 
key, and dropping anchor opposite West Point 
about nine o'clock P. M. 



142 

Thursday^ June 9. — On board the New Jersey. 
The journey resumed at four o'clock in the morning. 
Steamed down the York River, past Yorktown, 
Gloucester Point, up the Chesapeake Bay, dropping 
anchor twenty miles from Aquia Creek. 

Friday^ June 10. — On board the New Jersey. 
Steamed up the Potomac early in the morning. 
Most of the men were below deck to clean up. 
and put their new clothes on, reserved for this 
occasion by most of the old members, when we laid 
in winter-quarters near Brandy Station. Our 
captain, and the crew of the propeller, were quite 
astonished, seeing us come up in new uniforms. 
At three o'clock P. M., the propeller stopped at 
the Washington Navy Yard, landing eighty con- 
demned horses. We left the vessel about four 
o'clock, at the foot of Sixth street, proceeding to 
the Soldier's Home, and remained at the barracks 
over night. 

Saturday^ June 11. — Washington. We left at 
eleven o'clock A. M., in the express train. Came 
through Baltimore and Philadelphia, arriving in 
New York City by eleven o'clock in the night. 
We took up our quarters at the Park Barracks. 

Sunday^ June 12. — New York City. We were 
at liberty to go w^herever we pleased, until five 
o'clock P. M., leaving in the train for Rhode Island. 
Arrived at Stonington by twelve o'clock P. M. 
Owing to some accident, w^e had to stay there all 
night. 



143 

Monday^ June 13. — We left Stonington at day- 
break, arriving in Providence at six o'clock in the 
morning. It is unnecessary to give a description 
of our reception in this book. I believe it is well 
remembered by the inhabitants of Providence, and 
the old members of Battery A. 

On Saturday^ the ISth of June, we were muster- 
ed out of the United States service, in Railroad 
Hall. 

On 3Ionday, the 20th of June, we attended the 
funeral of our lieutenant, Peter Hunt, who died 
from the effects of his wounds. 



^oBkx d §aiterg %, 



JUNE 6, 1861. 



Captain.. 
WILLIAM H. REYNOLDS. 

Fix'st Ijiexitenaiats. 
THOMAS F. VAUGHAN, J. ALBERT MUNROE. 

Second Lientenants. 
JOHN A. TOMPKINS, WILLIAM B. WEEDEN. 



Sergeant.s. 
George E. Randolph, Sergeant William H. Walcott, 



Major. 

Albert E. Adams, Quartermas- 
ter Serjjeant. 

John H. Hammond, First Ser- 
geant. 



G. Holmes Wilcox, 
Charles D. Owen, 
Francis A. Smith, 
Henry Newton. 



Charles M. Read, 
Charles H. Clark, 
Nathan T. Morse, 
Gamaliel L. Dwiglit, 
William A. Sabin, 
H. Vincent Butler, 
13 



Corpoi'als. 

Albert Remington, 
James B. Buffum, 
Harry C. Gushing, 
George W. Field, 
T. Frederic Brown, 
Seabury S. Burroughs. 



146 



Michael Grady, 
Daniel W. Marshall, 
Alexander K. Page, 
Dexter D. Pearce, 



Aldrich, Stephen W. 
Allen, George W. D. 
Adams, George A. 
Barker, William C. 
Byrne, George 
Byars, George 
Bennett, Henry H. 
Butler, Freeman 
Brown, Clavis G. 
Bup, Frederick 
Brown, Joshua 
Benedict, Frederick H. 
Bontems, Charles E. 
Brooks, Joseph 
Bourn, William E. 
Collins, Timothy 
Collins, James H, 
Cargill, Charles 
Child, Benjamin H. 
Cortell, Elmer D. 
Calder, Wesley R. 
€haffee, George W. 
Chaffee, Charles E. 
Chester, George W. 
Curtis, Horace M. 
darter, Frank 
Church, William 
CJooper, James 
Codding, Charles D. 
Crandall, Henry B. 
Church, John 
Drape, William 
Desmond, Michael 



j^rtificers. 

James T. Rhodes, 
George A. Stetson. 

Nelson H. Arnold, Bugler. 

Privates. 

Loughlin, Robert 
Lewis, James 
Lannegan, Patrick 
Luther, Hesekiel W. 
Luther, Levi 
Lawrence, John H. 
Lynott, John 
Lindsey, Benjamin F. 
McKay, John G. 
Messinger, Eli 
Messinger, George 
Munroe, Benjamin S. 
Moran, John 
Morrison, William 
McDonough, John 
Marcy, Albourne W. 
Mowry, Charles H. 
Martin, Benjamin F. 
McCannack, John 0. 
Navin, John 
Gluey, Amos M. C. 
Peck, William F. 
Percival, Richard 
Pearce, William B. 
Potter, Edward 
Phillips, Frederick A. 
Pratt, Henry L. 
Reichardt, Theodore 
Reichardt, Adolphus 
Rider, William H. 
Remington, Richard T. 
Rawbottom, Robert 
Raynor, Robert 



147 



Day, Henry F. 
Donncgan, Patrick 
Franklin, George W. 
Freeman, Edward K. 
Fletcher, Calvin 
Flood, Thomas 
Googin, Eugene 
Gardner, James 
Greenleaf, George T. 
Griffin, John 
Griffin, John, 2d 
Gladding, Olney D. 
Goldsmith, James H. 
Griswolil, George S. 
Greenhalgh, William T. 
Green, Stephen M. 
Graham, Henry T. 
Humphrey, Preston A. 
Harrison, Gilbert T. 
Haynes, William 
Hoit, Joseph S. 
Hicks, Henry F. 
Irons, Lewis W. 
Jenckes, Albert T. 
JoUie, Thomas 
Lake, Charles W, 



Shaw, Edward 
Sayles, Thomas W. 
Shepardson, George A. 
Slocum, George L. 
Scott, Charles V. 
Stanley, Milton 
Seddon, John 
Swain, Reuben C. 
Thornley, Richard 
Thompson, John B. 
Taylor, William H. 
Towle, Augustus S. 
Yose, Warren L. 
Wales, Joseph W.. 
Weeks, Edwin E. 
Wild, John 
Weeden, Amos C. 
Warden, Wendell 
Warden, Samuel T. 
Walsh, John 
Walker, Stephen 
Walker, Arnold A. 
Watson, John T. 
Wellman, George A. 
Whalers, John 
Zimmerli, John 



REMARKS 



Captain William H. Reynolds, promoted to lieutenant colonel 
at Darnestown, Maryland. 

First Lieutenant Thomas F. Vaughan, promoted to captain 
at Point of Rocks, Maryland. 

First Lieutenant J. Albert Munroe, promoted to captain at 
Darnestown, Maryland. 

Second Lieutenant John Tompkins, promoted to captain at 
Darnestown, Maryland ; promoted to major at Fredericksburg, 
Virginia. 

Second Lieutenant Wm. B. AYeeden, promoted to captain at 
Point of Rocks, Maryland. 

Sergeant Major George E. Randolph, promoted to lieutenant 
at Point of Rocks, Maryland; promoted to captain at Darnes- 
town, Maryland. 

Quartermaster Sergeant Albert E. Adams, promoted to lieu- 
tenant at Falmouth, Virginia. 

Sergeant John H. Hammond, left the battery at Harrison 
Landing. Transferred to Portsmouth Grove, Rhode Island, 
and made lieutenant in Hospital Guard. 

Sergeant William H. Walcott, promoted to lieutenant in the 
regular army, at Point of Rocks, Maryland. 

Sergeant G. Holmes Wilcox, left the battery at Harrison 
Landing, sick. 

Sergeant Charles D. Owen, promoted to lieutenant at Point 
of Rocks, Maryland ; promoted to captain at Darnestown, 
Maryland. 

Sergeant Francis A. Smith, promoted to lieutenant at Darnes- 
town, Maryland. 



149 



Sergeant Henry Newton, promoted to lieutenant at Dames- 
town, Marj-land. Left tlie battery at Falmouth, Virginia, sick. 

Corporal Charles M. Read, promoted to sergeant ; killed at 
Antietani, Maryland. 

Corporal Charles H. Clark, promoted to sergeant ; promoted 
to lieutenant at Darnestown, Maryland. 

Corporal Nathan T. Morse, killed in Washington, D. C. 

Corporal Gamaliel L. Dwight, promoted to sergeant; pro- 
moted to lieutenant at Poolesville ; promoted to captain at 
Coal Harbor, Virginia. 

Corporal William A. Sabin, promoted to sergeant; promoted 
to lieutenant at Poolesville, Maryland. 

Corporal H. Vincent Butler, left the battery at Falmouth, 
Virginia, having received a commission in the navy. 

Corporal James B. ButFum, promoted to sergeant ; left the 
battery at Falmoutli, Virginia, sick. 

Corporal Harry L. Cushing, promoted to sergeant; promoted 
to lieutenant in regular army. 

Corporal George W. Field, promoted to first sergeant; to 
lieutenant at Muddy Branch, Maryland. 

Corporal T. Frederic Brown, promoted to sergeant; to lieu- 
tenant at Harrison Landing ; to captain at Brandy Station, Vir- 
ginia. 

Corporal Seabury S. Burroughs, disabled at Poolesville, 
Maryland. Left the battery. 

Michael Grady, returned home with battery, having served 
three years. 

Daniel W. Marshall, left the battery at Falmouth, Virginia. 

Alexander K. Page, returned home with battery, having 
served three years. 

Dexter D. Pearce, returned home Avith battery, having 
served three years. 

James P. Rhodes, promoted to lieutenant at Warrenton, Vir- 
ginia. Left the battery one year after, near the same place. 

George A. Stetson, captured at first Bull Run. 

Bugler Nelson A. Arnold, left the battery at AVashington, D. 
C. 

Private Stei)hen W. Aldrich, promoted to corporal ; returned 
with battery, having served three years. 
13* 



150 



Thomas M. Aldrich, returned with battery, having served 
three years. 

George W. D. Allen, injured at first Bull Kun. Left the bat- 
tery at Washington D, C. 

George A. Adams, left the battery at Darnestown, Maryland. 

William C. Barker, returned with battery, having served 
three years. 

George Byrne, returned with battery, having served three 
years. 

Joseph Byars, left at Poolesville, Maryland. 

Henry H. Bennett, promoted corporal; returned Avith battery^ 

Freeman Butler, left the battery at Washington, D. 0. 

Clavis G. Brown, left the battery at Washington, D. C. 

Frederic Bup, killed at first Bull Run. 

Joshua Brown, wounded and taken prisoner at first Bull Run. 

Frederick H. Benedict, deserted at Darnestown, Maryland. 

Charles E. Bontems, returned with battery. 

Joseph E. Brooks, wounded and taken prisoner at first Bull 
Run. Returned to battery at Washington, before going to Pen- 
insula. Returned with battery. 

William E. Bourn, killed in Washington, D. C. 

Timothy Collins, returned with battery. 

James H. CoUins, left the battery at Washington, D. C. 

Charles Cargill, wounded at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. 

Benjamin H. Child, promoted to corporal and sergeant; to 
lieutenant at Brandy Station, Virginia. 

Elmer L. Cortell, promoted to corporal ; sergeant ; lieuten 
ant. Left the battery at Point of Rocks, Maryland. 

Wesley B. Calder, promoted to corporal. Returned with 
battery. 

George W. Chaffee, promoted to corporal. Left the battery 
at Harrison Landing. Afterwards died. 

Charles E. Chaffee, promoted to corporal; sergeant; left the 
battery at Warrenton, Virginia. 

George N. Chester, returned with battery. 

Horace M. Curtis, wounded, and left the battery at Gettys- 
burg. 

Frank Carter, returned with battery. 

William C. M. Church, left the battery at Washington, D. C 
James Cooper, wounded, and left the battery at Malvern 
Hill. 



151 



Cliarles D. Codding, returned with battery, 

Henry B. Crandall, returned with battery. 

John Churcli, wounded at Antietam and left the battery. 

WilHani Drape, promoted to corporal. Returned with bat- 
tery. 

Michael Desmond, wounded at Bristow's Station, and left the 
battery. 

Henry F. Day, left in Washington, 

Patrick Donnegan, left the battery in Falmouth. 

George W. Franklin, left the battery at Foolesville. 

Edward R. Freeman, Avounded at Washington, and left the 
battery. 

Eugene Googins, returned with battery. 

James Gardner, promoted to corporal. Returned with bat- 
tery. 

George J. Greenleaf, promoted to corporal; sergeant; quar- 
termaster sergeant. Returned with battery. 

John Griffin, returned witli battery. 

Olney D. Gladding, wounded at Bull Run, and died in 
Georgetown, D. C. 

George. L. Griswold, left at AYashrngton. 

Stephen M. Greene, promoted to corporal ; sergeant. Re- 
turned with battery. 

Henry T. Graham, left the battery at Sandy Hook. 

Preston A. Humphrey, returned with battery. 

Gilbert F. Harrison, wounded, and left at Gettysburg. 

William Haines, left at Washington. 

Joseph S. Hoyt, left at Washington. 

Henry F. Hicks, wounded at Fredericksburg, and left the 
battery. 

Lewis W. Irons, returned with battery. 

Albert J. Jenckes, left the battery at Berlin, Maryland, 

Thomas JoUie, left the battery at Harrison Landing. 

Charles W. Lake, wounded at Coal Harbor. Returned with 
battery. 

Robert Laughlin, left the battery at Antietam. 

James Lewis, promoted to corporal. Returned with battery. 

Patrick Lannegan, killed at Antietam. 

Hesekiel W. Luther, promoted to corporal. Left at Harrison 
Landing. 



152 



Levi Luther, left at Harrison Landing. 

John H. Lawrence, killed at Antietam. 

John Lynott, returned with battery. 

Benjamin F. Lindsey, left the battery at Poolesville, Mary- 
land. 

John G. McKay, returned with battery. 

Eli Messinger, detailed to hospital steward. Left the bat- 
tery at Poolesville, Maryland. 

George Messinger, left the battery at Poolesville. 

Benjamin S. Munroe, left the battery at Yorktown. 

John Moran, wounded at Bristow Station, and died in hospi- 
tal at Alexandria. 

William Morrison, returned with battery. 

John McDonnough, promoted to corporal. Returned with 
battery. 

Albourne W. Marcy, left the battery at Harrison Landing. 
Died on his way home. 

Charles H. Mowry, deserted at Warrenton, and turned 
guerilla. 

Benjamin P. Martin, left the battery at Thorn's Farm. 

John 0. McCannack, left the battery at Washington. 

John Navin, promoted to corporal ; sergeant. Returned with 
battery. 

Amos M. C. Olney, promoted to corporal; sergeant. Re- 
enlisted. 

Richard Percival, left at Harrison Landing. 

Willard B. Pierce, promoted to corporal ; first sergeant ; 
promoted to lieutenant at Elktown, Virginia. 

Edward Potter, left the battery at Washington. 

Frederick A. Phillips, wounded, and left at Antietam. 

Henry A. Pratt, left at Washington. 

Theodore Reichardt, promoted to corporal. Returned with 
the battery. 

Adolphus Reichardt, wounded and left at Bull Run. 

William H. Rider, promoted to corporal, and wounded and 
left at Gettysburg. 

Richard Remington, left at Poolesville. 

Robert Rawbottom, promoted to corporal; sergeant. Re- 
turned with battery. 

Robert Ray nor, promoted to corporal. Returned with bat- 
tery. 



153 

Edward Shaw, promoted to corporal, Beturned with battery. 

Thomas W. Sayles, left the battery at Yorktown. 

George A. Sliepardson, left the battery at Warrenton. 

George L. Slocum, returned with battery. 

Charles V. Scott, promote! to corporal; sergeant; to lieu- 
tenant at Brandy Station, Virginia. 

IMilton Stanley, left the battery at Point of Rocks. 

John Seddon, wounded at Flint Hill, and left the battery. 

Reuben Swaine, left at Antietam. 

Richard Thornley, promoted to corporal. Returned with 
battery. 

John B. Thompson, promoted to corporal; sergeant; first 
sergeant. Returned with battery. 

William H. Taylor, re-enlisted. 

Augustus S. Towle, promoted to corporal; sergeant. Re- 
turned with battery. 

Warren L. Vose, wounded, taken prisoner and died at Bull 
Run. 

Joseph Wales, returned with battery. 

Edwin Weeks, wounded at Bull Run and left at Washington. 

John Wild, returned with battery. 

Amos A. Weeden, left at Point of Rocks. 

Wendell Warden, left at Harper's Ferry. 

Samuel P. Warden, left at Fortress Monroe. 

John Walsh, returned with battery. 

Stephen Walker, left at Harrison Landing. 

Arnold A. Walker, promoted to corporal. Left at Falmouth. 
Died on his way home. 

George A. Wellman, deserted at Falmouth. 

John Zimraerli, killed at Gettvsbursr. 



GENERAL AGENCY 

FOR 

PiMislers, News Dealers M Booisellers, 



ESTABLISHED FEBRUARY 1, 1856, 



N. BANGS "WILLIAMS, 

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN 

Nos. 113 and 115 Westminster Street, 

OrPOSITE THE ARCADE, 

PROVIDENCE, R. I. 



PLAIN AND FANCY STATIONERY 

-, AT WHOLESALE AND RETAIL. 



A GOOD ASSORTMENT OF BLANK BOOKS 

Always on hand and manufactured to order in any desired style. 



EVERY DESCRIPTION OF BOOK BINDING 

DONE AT SHORT NOTICE. 



N. BANGS WILLIAMS, 

WHOLESALE AND EETAIL DEALER IN 
AND 

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Nos. 113 and 115 Westminster Street, 

PROVIDENCE, R. I. 



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H 155 79 



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